The New York Knicks are entering the post-All-Star break period on a strong note. They have won eight of their last 10 matches. And they have struck a strong balance while displaying above-average defense as of late, including holding the Philadelphia 76ers to 66 points in a recent win. Still, many experts believe the Knicks are still a ways away from realistically competing for a championship. And while that piece may have been added just before the All-Star break, New York needs to address some glaring shortcomings before it's ready to make its move.
Karl-Anthony Towns has played well recently. He has been a rebounding machine, averaging 14.2 rebounds per game over the last nine games. And it has had a positive impact on the Knicks and their results.
However, he hasn't scored on the ball as well as he's capable of. Towns is averaging 16.3 points per game in that same time frame, shooting only 27.3% on nearly four 3-point attempts per game. This is extremely bad considering what we expect from him. But sadly, that's not a far cry from their output in the 2025-26 season. Towns is averaging the second-lowest points per game of his career this season (19.8%) as well as his second-worst 3-point percentage (35.1%).
That's not going to cut it if the Knicks hope to win the 2026 NBA Championship. Head coach Mike Brown should make more of an effort to get Towns involved, possibly leaning on off the dribble hand-off action, increasing pick-and-rolls with Jalen Brunson and isolating him in the post.
But it's not entirely up to Brown to do so. Towns also has his work cut out for him. He must learn to accept missed calls and stop arguing with the referee, step up defense and look for better shot opportunities.
Towns can also demand balls. While Brown and Brunson are partially responsible for Towns' inclusion, Towns will have to make a strong case to get the ball. That means sealing his man behind him in the post and demanding the ball. This also means not settling for runners and bad or contested shots. But at the end of the day, Towns is too talented to keep this up for a long time. He is due to return in the middle.
The Knicks have more work to do than get Towns back to his pre-2025-26 output. New York must also work on molding their recent additions Jose Alvarado and Jeremy Sochan into their rotation. Alvarado, who was added via trade before the trade deadline, has appeared in three games for New York so far – and his impact has already been felt.
Alvarado adds a palpable intensity and irascibility. He is a high-energy perimeter defender who disrupts opposing offenses and establishes a tough culture. His presence is even more important given the injury to Miles McBride, who will be out until the end of March with a sports hernia. What Alvarado can do on the offensive end of the field is just icing on the cake.
Jeremy Sochan's role is less clear. The six-foot-eight forward is a versatile defender who adds significant toughness. He is expected to add valuable front court depth, at least initially, taking some minutes from Mohamed Diawara.
Thinking's ability to defend multiple positions will appeal to Brown. He'll obviously be a reserve, but exactly how he fits into the team's rotation remains to be figured out. Sochan had three strong seasons with the San Antonio Spurs before being waived. His role has become less clear this season, but hopefully he can still do what he did before this season, being a disruptive force who can create with the ball in his hands and move well without it.
Knicks must decide on playoff rotation
Both of the above points speak to the team's need to beef up its rotation. New York has effectively increased its depth. And it has plenty of top-end star power. Now, it's a matter of understanding who plays and who doesn't.
Brown said he likes to play a "9.5 man rotation" before the season starts. Well, this leads to some difficult decisions.
In addition to their starting five, the Knicks should consider playing time for Alvarado, Sochan, McBride, Mitchell Robinson, Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson — not to mention Diawara. Teams can approach their reserves in three different groups: guards, forwards and forwards.
Robinson's place is well cemented. He must play when he is healthy. And the only limitations here include being careful not to depend on it too much.
There's probably only room for three guards — Alvarado, McBride, Shamet and Clarkson — and that's being generous. But it's impossible to imagine Alvarado, McBride and Shamet No Playing regularly. Sadly, Clarkson is probably the odd one out from the group. However, his presence remains valuable as he adds the most immediate offense off the bench. Hopefully he'll stay busy without a regular role - that's a tough ask for anyone.
He skips ahead. Shamet's size could allow the Browns to play him as a forward as well. But ideally, Sochan could emulate OG Anunoby and Josh Hart. If it doesn't work out according to plan, the big question becomes will the team turn to Diarra for playoff minutes? And if they do, can he handle it?
Thankfully, the Knicks have 27 games left to resolve these issues. The team should be motivated to improve on last season's results and advance to the NBA Finals and preferably win it. And this may be their best chance to do so.
