Knicks just hinted that they may make the same mistake all over again

The New York Knicks, after hiring Mike Brown as coach, initially appeared set to start Mitchell Robinson and move Josh Hart to the bench. However, reports indicate "internal support" exists to retain last season's primary starting lineup of Josh Hart, Karl-Anthony Towns, Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges. This support stems from Mike Brown's desire to play at a faster pace, with concerns that a Robinson-Towns frontcourt would hinder that goal.

Keeping the same starting five would disappoint many fans, largely due to its poor performance last season. While the group had a positive net rating for the full season (+4.1 per 100 possessions), they became a net negative after January 1st and were outscored by 31 points during their playoff minutes. Conversely, the lineup featuring Robinson instead of Hart saw very limited action (only 6 regular-season possessions) but logged 128 playoff possessions showing intriguing, though not yet ideal, results.

Arguments against sticking with the Hart lineup include the small sample size for the Robinson version being insufficient to dismiss it, and the fact that the Hart lineup actually finished possessions in transition at a rate (14.3%) below the league average (15.2%). While Brown's system should increase transition opportunities, especially after defensive rebounds, the roster may not be suited for the Hart lineup as the permanent starters.

A critical issue with starting Hart, Anunoby, and Bridges is that it leaves the Knicks with zero reserve wing players. The team does not believe young players Pacome Dadiet or Kevin McCullar Jr. are ready for significant minutes. Therefore, if they commit to this starting five, they must acquire one or two additional wings. This would require abandoning any pursuit of Ben Simmons and using their final veteran minimum contract slot on a versatile wing capable of playing multiple positions.

Acquiring these wings poses a challenge given the Knicks' limited resources, but it becomes necessary if they are serious about retaining the previous season's starting lineup.