The atmosphere is positive in New York as the Knicks secure the third spot in the Eastern Conference. With Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns combining for nearly 50 points per game, it’s clear that the Knicks front office had a successful offseason. However, a concerning statistic highlights a significant flaw in what is otherwise a promising season for the team.
The Knicks hold a 16-10 record, placing them third in the East, and their starting lineup averages 97.9 points per game. Unfortunately, head coach Tom Thibodeau has reverted to his old habit of over-relying on his starters, a strategy that is impacting the team’s overall depth this season.
According to NBA.com, the Knicks’ bench is logging just 60.9 minutes per game—the lowest in the league and the fewest by any team in the past 19 seasons.
The absence of Mitchell Robinson due to ankle surgery, along with Isaiah Hartenstein’s departure to the Oklahoma City Thunder, has significantly reduced the Knicks’ depth.
Miles McBride is the only bench player averaging over 20 minutes per game, contributing 10.4 points with a 42% shooting mark from beyond the arc. Despite McBride’s solid performance, the rest of the bench isn’t seeing enough playing time to make a meaningful impact.
While some Knicks fans argue for more playing time for rookie point guard Tyler Kolek, who impressed during the preseason, Thibodeau is sticking to a more reliable lineup given the competitive nature of the Eastern Conference. Until Robinson returns and possibly a trade is made, the burden will fall on the starters, though it may come at a long-term cost.