New York Knicks training camp is just weeks away, but we already have our first indications of a potential training camp battle. With the signing of former Sixth Men of the Year Jordan Clarkson and Malcom Brogdon, the Knicks’ backcourt is suddenly crowded.
They are joining a roster that already has star Jalen Brunson and starter Josh Hart as well as Deuce McBride and Landry Shamet. They also have fan-favorite Tyler Kolek, who shows promise as both a playmaker and shooter, but his future with the Knicks is now very much in question.
The Knicks probably aren’t going to have much use for most of their guards with Brunson likely to play at least 33 minutes per game and Hart possibly starting. That could leave only playing time for two of Clarkson, McBride, and Brogdon. That means that either Shamet or, more specifically, Kolek could be on thin ice heading into training camp.
The Knicks solved their depth problem while creating another issue
With the addition of Brogdon, the Knicks suddenly have an embarrassment of riches as far as depth. It really wasn’t that long ago that depth was an issue for New York. Or, perhaps more accurately, former coach Tom Thibodeau didn’t trust his bench.
With a new coach, the Knicks will lean into using their bench more, and coach Mike Brown will have a lot more depth to work with. That will hopefully mean that the Knicks will rely less on their starters.
Playing them fewer minutes would result in less wear and tear and provide better longevity for their best players. However, they have another issue with them being too guard-heavy, meaning that they may have to waive one player, with Kolek or Shamet being the most likely options.
The Knicks have tough roster decisions ahead
Aside from having to decide who makes the final cut, they will have to decide who starts. Hart mostly started for them last season, but a healthy Mitchell Robinson to start next season could change that.
Starting and playing him around 25 minutes a game would give New York a bigger lineup when paired with Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns. It would also make for a more crowded guarded lineup with Bridges playing the two.
While starting Robinson may limit them some offensively, Robinson is a stellar offensive rebounder, who would create plenty of extra possessions for their starting five. He’d also allow Towns to play at power forward for around 20 minutes per game, which is his natural position.
Still, having Towns play some at the five is the best possible offensive option for New York. They would have the versatility to play multiple lineups depending on their opponent, but it could mean they have more guards than they know what to do with.
They could always waive one or potentially trade Kolek to another team, freeing up a roster spot to be used at a different position. Fortunately, they still have training camp and the preseason to evaluate their roster before making a big decision.
