Brunson steers through a coaching shift as Mike Brown replaces Tom Thibodeau in New York, aiming for a quick fit and continued growth. Thibodeau’s era shaped Brunson’s rise, but the new boss brings a championship-minded tempo that could test early cohesion.

Brunson’s 26.4 PPG average over three years earned All-Star and All-NBA honors, and the Knicks enter the season as East contenders. The challenge is syncing Brown’s system with Brunson’s game to sustain elite production while chasing a deep playoff run in 2026.

Brown arrives in New York with a fast, ball-moving system that has the Knicks ahead of schedule at camp. The offense centers on spacing and selflessness, while a defined defense emphasizes protecting the basket, load the paint, and swift transitions—next-play speed that shooters and distributors can exploit. Anunoby and Brunson buy in as the team embraces a rousing, greater-urgency style in a preseason showdown with Philadelphia in Abu Dhabi.

Brown reshapes the Knicks around Karl-Anthony Towns, aiming to replicate Sacramento’s Sabonis–Fox pace while leveraging Towns’ shooting and IQ. Towns moves between five and four, thrives in elbows and corners, and becomes a true offensive hub. If the spacing and decision-making clicks, New York could unlock Towns’ ceiling and elevate the team’s fantasy upside.

Last season Towns posted 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists with 42% from deep. The plan is to keep him engaged with constant movement and playmaking, not static post-ups. If the off-ball action translates, Towns becomes a core catalyst for both real-world success and fantasy production.

Defense and frontcourt balance remain the big questions, but the blueprint is clear: Towns as a versatile engine, supported by Hart’s energy and Robinson’s rim protection to fuel a fast, efficient Knicks attack.

Hart keeps things light, but his stance is serious: he’ll embrace whatever Mike Brown asks as the Knicks chase a title. Last season he started 77 games under Thibodeau, posted efficient shooting and a well-rounded stat line, and his veteran presence remains a core asset. The Knicks will likely stay active in the market, yet Hart’s versatility keeps him in the rotation regardless of starting status.

His message is clear: team success over ego. If Brown times a rotation, Hart can still contribute across points, boards and assists with solid efficiency. Fantasy managers should view him as a flexible piece with a safe floor and upside if his minutes spike during the season.