The New York Knicks are 6-5 and fifth in the Eastern Conference. Statistically, they’re one of the best defenses in the NBA, with an offense that seems to be catching its stride. Normally, that wouldn’t even raise questions about what’s working and what isn’t, but a change might be coming.
Three players in this starting lineup are absolutely safe with no chance of a change coming: Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and OG Anunoby. Despite unusual inefficiencies from both Brunson and Anunoby, their pedigree speaks for itself, with fans and coaches alike knowing their normal will be back soon.
As for the other two recurring starters, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges, their spots are the subject of debate.
Mikal Bridges
Talking about Bridges’ play this season feels like beating a dead horse. Everyone knows what it is: the career lows in points per game, field goal percentage, and 3-point percentage. Putting it that way feels like I’m giving it the benefit of the doubt. His season averages are 5.9 points per game on 32.9% shooting from the field and 26.5% from behind-the-arc. Of players who play at least 20 minutes per game or more, Bridges sits at the 4th lowest mark in field goal percentage.
Josh Hart
Hart’s bench consideration comes more from how New York has looked with him not suiting up. Like many other Knicks, Hart has been exceptionally inefficient through his eight games played, shooting just 38.5% from the field and 31.7% from three. Other than that, he’s doing normal Hart things: he’s third on the team in both rebounds and assists per game.
Landry Shamet
Shamet’s playoff performances instantly made him a fan favorite, shooting 47.5% from three throughout the entire run and an unbelievable 91.7% in the Eastern Conference Finals. Now, with his play in the regular season, there’s an argument to be made for him to start.
In Hart’s absence, the Knicks went 3-0 with a point differential of 24.7, and Landry Shamet showed out in his starts, averaging 8.7 points and nailing two threes per game while totaling a +51 +/- in 3 games. Over the season, the Knicks have a +17.6 net difference with Shamet on the floor vs. off.
Lineup woes
The Knicks’ current starting five has a 3-5 record, and a -9.6 net rating. The problem lies on offense it seems, with the five-man lineup boasting a 98.6 offensive rating: 3.4 points lower than the worst-rated team in the NBA, the Charlotte Hornets.
If you replace Hart with Shamet, the net rating jumps to +8.3 with a 109.7 offensive rating. And if you replace Bridges with Shamet, the net rating is +44.1 with a 140.6 offensive rating; a world of difference.
Mike Brown has already made it public that Bridges’ minutes will continue to decrease with his current play, and the Knicks as a team are a +19.4 with him off the floor.
Mikal Bridges’ ability as a defender is not something to scoff at, and it seems almost impossible that this level of play could continue for much longer.
Josh Hart has statistically been just as good, if not a better defender and playmaker this season, on top of his otherworldly rebounding abilities.
But if Mike Brown elects to make a change, Landry Shamet will be the easy choice for next man up. For now, it will be the usual starters on Friday night against the Indiana Pacers, with the New York Knicks playing visitor. Tip-off is set for 7:00 pm EST.
