The future of Jalen Brunson with the Knicks appears to hinge on the next head coach's influence. Brunson has thrived under Tom Thibodeau, showcasing his potential as a top-tier point guard. The new coach is expected to challenge him, particularly in areas like defense and playmaking, which were evident during the playoffs.

Potential candidates for the Knicks' head coaching position include Taylor Jenkins and Mike Brown. Jenkins, with a history of leading a top-five offense and a strong defense with the Grizzlies, is seen as a prime choice. Meanwhile, the possibility of acquiring a star like Kevin Durant seems slim, pushing the Knicks to consider other talents like Jabari Smith from the Rockets.

The New York Knicks find themselves in a troubling situation during these Eastern Conference Finals, having fallen behind 0-2 against their opponents. Their starting five has been lackluster, resulting in a combined net deficit of 16 points in Game 1 and an even more disappointing showing in Game 2, where they dug themselves a 10-point hole. Across the playoffs, this unit has been outscored by 81 points, a continuation of concerning trends dating back to January. Coach Tom Thibodeau, noting the lack of production from his starters, hinted that drastic changes may be necessary, with the potential for new lineup options like Mitchell Robinson or Miles McBride.

In a recent episode, the discussion centered on identifying the riskiest players in fantasy basketball based on their 2023 performance. Among the highlighted players, Jimmy Butler stood out for his temperamental issues and injury concerns, resulting in a limited season where he played only 55 games. While there were glimpses of his form, particularly after being traded to Golden State, he ended up being a fourth-rounder in total value, making the draft decision less favorable.

Other players discussed included Lauri Markkanen and Kyrie Irving, both of whom had fluctuating pre-draft rankings. Markkanen underperformed significantly, while Irving suffered a major injury, reinforcing the risks associated with selecting players known for their inconsistencies or injury histories. The episode concluded with a reflection on the importance of drafting safer players in future formats to maintain competitiveness throughout the season.

The Celtics' recent postseason struggles have raised concerns. After taking a 20-point lead in both Game 1 and Game 2 against the Knicks, Boston failed to secure victory, suffering from poor shooting and defensive lapses. Key players like Jaylen Brown and Jason Tatum struggled to maintain momentum, with several missed opportunities contributing to the defeats. The mental pressure appears to be affecting the team as they face potential changes in the offseason.

Coaching strategies are also in question, as adjustments may be necessary to counteract New York's defensive schemes. The Celtics' reliance on three-point shots has not paid off, leaving analysts to debate whether a more balanced offensive approach could lead to better results in upcoming games. The team's focus now shifts to overcoming these hurdles and asserting their dominance as they look to claw back in the series.