The Knicks bolstered their depth this off-season with Guerschon Yabusele, Jordan Clarkson and Malcolm Brogdon, setting a clear window to challenge in the East. Yet Mario Chalmers challenges that outlook, saying New York still lacks a dominant big who can anchor both ends and change the ceiling. Karl-Anthony Towns has grown into a more well-rounded defender for the Knicks, but the gap at the rim remains a talking point. Indiana, Boston and others shuffled, but the Cavaliers and Knicks are positioned as frontrunners in a crowded conference as a new era under a fresh Knicks identity begins shaping itself with Mike Brown at the helm.

Landry Shamet returns to New York on a minimum-salary pact, slotting in as a seasoned 3-and-D wing for a Knicks squad aiming for a title. The deal completes a lean, versatile rotation built to maximize two-way depth with the starting core of Brunson and Towns anchoring the attack.

Around that core, Bridges, Anunoby and Hart form a formidable wing trio, while Robinson provides rim protection and McBride, Clarkson, Yabusele and Hukporti round out the second unit with shooting, defense and upside. The Knicks maintain roster flexibility to chase another veteran via trade if needed.

The move signals a deliberate, high-floor gambit: add playoff-tested shooting and defense without sacrificing a future roster path, keeping development options open for Dadiet, Kolek and Hukporti as growth pieces behind the depth chart.

Knicks pivot to a development-first plan under Brown, elevating Billy Lange to oversee player growth. Lange’s track record at St. Joe’s and with Philly prospects signals a push to accelerate young talents like Hukporti and Dadiet, while Brown runs faster, deeper rotations around Brunson and Towns. With Clarkson and Yabusele joining, New York aims to close the gap to the top by building from within.