Now that Mike Brown is the head coach of the New York Knicks, let’s take a look at how his coaching style will affect this core.
In Brown’s introductory press conference, he urged his philosophy of “pace and space.” If that sounds like a contrast to the Knicks of late, it’s because it is.
Jalen Brunson loves to move at his own pace, never hurrying or speeding up his game. He does this because he is a smaller, crafty guard who wins with his mind just as much as his mid-range.
In terms of spacing, it could mean the end of Josh Hart as a starter. Over eight NBA campaigns, he is a 34.2% shooter from beyond the arc, and has hit them at an underwhelming 32.3% clip the last two years.
He does fit Brown’s up-tempo, controlled chaos (at times) style, and will still play an enormous role. But, he struggles as a knock-down shooter and does not open up lanes for Brunson as well as some other options could.
New York also brought in guard Jordan Clarkson for bench scoring, and while his 33.6% career mark from three does not jump off the page, he has played on some poor Utah Jazz teams, and his shot selection quality should improve with the Knicks.
Perhaps “pace and space” paves the way for young guards such as Deuce McBride and Tyler Kolek. McBride is the superior player and fits better offensively and defensively alongside Brunson in the backcourt. But Kolek is going to be a quality guard and is an exceptional passer, especially in transition.
Expect Brown to bump his minutes up from the 7.2 per game he received as a rookie.
In an ideal world, New York can roll out Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, and either Hart or Mitchell Robinson. Hart is far from a flamethrower, but Towns at the five, despite his defensive deficiencies, gives it its best spacing lineup by far.
Robinson, meanwhile, is an excellent rim protector but does not necessarily line up with this chapter of Brown's coaching book.