The New York Knicks are defending champions, but already this early in the season, head coach Mike Brown is staring down a major headache: an absolute logjam of guards battling for minutes. This ain’t some minor preseason hiccup, either. While the Knicks did start the year 0-3 with a super unsettling offense before getting back to .500 against the Nets and Bulls, and even lost twice to Philly in October (though Joel Embiid’s plantar fasciitis is already acting up, so chill), this guard situation is a different beast.
Mike Brown’s “Good Problem” Is Still a Problem
Jalen Brunson is the undeniable head of the snake for this squad, no question. But after him? It’s a free-for-all in the backcourt. Tyler Kolek and Jose Alvarado are duking it out for those critical backup ball-handler minutes. Then you’ve got Jordan Clarkson and Deuce McBride grappling for the bench two-guard spots. And don’t even get started on Landry Shamet, whose strong play is actively pushing entrenched starters Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart over their usual minutes. Look, it’s technically a “good problem” to have a ton of depth, especially since injuries will definitely give these guys opportunities over 82 games. But with everyone healthy right now? It’s gotta be giving Coach Brown a bigger headache than watching Andre Drummond brick layups. This volatile rotation isn’t a shocker, though. Brown opened the year saying only five players on this team have minutes that are actually secured, telling his bench players, “Everybody else in this gym, you’re fighting , either to make the team or for minutes.”
Every Guard Has a Superpower… and a Kryptonite
Each one of these guys brings something the Knicks can use, but they’ve all got some serious warts that can limit their time on the floor. Kolek is the best true playmaker they’ve got, but man, his defense is rough, and his jump shot’s been inconsistent throughout his young NBA career. That pretty much describes Alvarado too, except the New York native brings better defense to the table. Deuce McBride? He has stretches where he’s the team’s best rate shooter and he’s a tremendously pesky point-of-attack defender. But aren’t they getting that same energy out of a taller two-guard in Shamet? Then there’s 35-year-old Jordan Clarkson. He’s been a sparkplug every game he’s played this year, but he also showed that maddening inconsistency in his first year in New York.
Coach Brown has his work cut out for him trying to balance these guys. This volatile rotation is set to be a key storyline as the season rolls on. Which of these talented guards will carve out a consistent role, and who will be left fighting for scraps? It’s going to be a wild ride watching it all shake out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Posting and Toasting.
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