Can Mike Brown Elevate Knicks to New Heights in 2025-26?

The New York Knicks are on the verge of a transformative season as they welcome Mike Brown as their new head coach. With high expectations riding on the 2025-26 campaign, the focus is squarely on whether Brown can elevate this team to new heights, particularly with the emergence of key players like Jalen Brunson.

Brunson, a pivotal figure for New York, has consistently shown his shooting prowess. Throughout his career, he has maintained a catch-and-shoot three-point percentage exceeding 40%, excluding his rookie season. However, last year marked a significant shift; the 2024-25 season was the first time that less than half of his three-point attempts were catch-and-shoot shots, a statistic that reflects changes in team dynamics. The addition of stars Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges altered Brunson’s role slightly, leading to a minor dip in both his usage rate and shot attempts. Yet, despite these changes, he remained a dominant presence on the court, leading the NBA in both average seconds per touch (6.06) and dribbles per touch (6.04), as reported by CBS Sports.

In a recent press conference, Mike Brown shared his vision for Brunson’s role moving forward. He emphasized the importance of getting Brunson off the ball more frequently, aiming to create more opportunities for spot-up three-point shots. “The ball will be in his hands, especially down the stretch, and so to make the game easier throughout the course of the game is going to be a big thing,” Brown noted, outlining a strategic approach that could enhance Brunson’s effectiveness and overall team performance.

Additionally, Brown’s coaching philosophy embraces a faster-paced style of play. He intends to encourage quick decision-making and fluid gameplay, moving away from the more rigid offensive sets that characterized the previous regime under Tom Thibodeau. This shift could inject new life into the Knicks’ offense, which struggled with stagnation at times last season. The emphasis on concepts rather than rigid plays could lead to a more dynamic offensive display, providing the Knicks with a fresh approach that blends talent and creativity.

As the season approaches, the Knicks must navigate the balance between maintaining their established strengths and embracing this new style. While last year’s performance under Thibodeau showcased strong defensive capabilities, the challenge will be to infuse that defensive prowess with a more potent offensive output.

Mike Brown’s experience and coaching acumen will be put to the test as he seeks to blend superstar talents with the existing roster to foster a winning culture in New York. The upcoming season promises to be pivotal, not just for the franchise’s immediate success but also for laying the groundwork for future championship aspirations.

The Knicks are poised for an exciting season with high stakes, and it remains to be seen whether Mike Brown can successfully lead them into a new era of competitive basketball.