I’m surprised we are not hearing more about serious minutes for Tyler Kolek. He is probably the best passer on the team and when he gets regular minutes would be one of the Knicks’ better three-point shooters. When you add those strengths along with the fact he signed a four-year deal, you’d think the scouts and front office liked him a lot when they drafted him. Tyler is also 24 years old, so he’s no baby. I just hope he is not a throw in for some deal and he comes back to haunt us.
Huk is another second-year player who I’d think should have potential as a rotation guy. His play improved until he tore up his knee. It is possible of course Huk is not making as much progress on his rehabilitation as we would hope.
Dadiet makes a bit more sense as a player who needs more growth. He is still only 19 (turns 20 at the end of the month) so maybe another season at the end of the bench will allow him to practice with the big boys and be able to contribute in the 2026/27 season.
In terms of signing that tenth player, ideally the Knicks would find a guard with size, who is a competent three-point shooter and a good defender. Of course, a player like this is not out in the wilderness looking for a team. Does that mean the Knicks are looking to trade for such a player? Almost every trade the Rose administration acquired came out of the clear blue with no rumors at all.
Kolek is a 2nd rd pick who played a bunch of college ball. I think he's an NBA player but I'm not shocked that he's outwardly an afterthought considering his draft position. That said this same FO drafted him so they probably think he could play.
That makes sense Jonathan. But they did give him a four-year contract and Jalen is also an undersized guard, and was a second round pick. I’m obviously not comparing the two, but there are always exceptions to the rule. I guess my main hope that Kolek sticks is because he plays a beautiful brand of basketball that is becoming more rare in the league today aka a combination of vision/cutting/shooting.
I think summer league will be important for him similar to Grimes a few yrs back. He needs to look like he's too good. Specifically, the shot and defense have to show readiness.
As a card carrying member of the Hive and a 5’9” PG with 5 tools 😉, I know one when I see one. Give him the minutes. No one is a better passer or framer on the team. No one. He wasn’t given much of a chance to control pace and get us into a disciplined offensive set. We needed both a LOT last year and bless Cam Payne but he wasn’t it. I’m a little concerned on D. Can’t lie. FLY HIGH HIVE !!!
Hoping we get a Mike Brown presser this week. Like everyone, I'm eager to hear what he has to say about the roster.
And I'm excited for summer league, too. With Brown at the helm, it feels possible someone pops and earns some minutes.
I'm most curious, though, to see what else is in store. Sounds likely they'll add a veteran, but between the extension situations and possible trades, I think there's a chance we're not done. I'd be shocked if they traded Hart - they've done a lot to surprise us, but trading JB's best friend is a bridge too far (especially when you just fired the coach he grew up with) - but I could see Robinson (or even Bridges) on the move.
Biggest tease today, ref. Tucker: “ Perhaps the front office feels like a new coach will solve some of the issues that required PJ’s presence to begin with…..” did I miss what the issues were? Probably
Fred and JEIII basically laid it all out in their season ending article. the questions about whether OG always played hard when he wasn't getting shots. the Mikal / Thibs stuff, and then the bit about other members of the org wondering whether KAT really understood the importance of showing consistent defensive principles. PJ came out openly and said they didn't communicate at all on defense before he got there. Fred has also said many times this just wasn't nearly as close knit a locker room as last year.
Thank you. You’re right it’s subtle. Seems like too many bruised egos. One can only hope that the opportunity they’ve been presented changes the I to We. A situation to monitor. PJ Tucker, a horse whisperer? Who’d have thunk!
I'm glad Yabusele's signing is official & that he adjusted his contract so that we can sign 2 more vets. (I say 2, because Clarkson still hasn't been confirmed & even though the press still writes about it as a done deal, the silence since he could have signed on Wednesday is deafening!) Toasting & Posting also listed FAs Torrey Craig, Caleb Houstan, Thomas Bryant, Mo Bamba, Alex Len as possible signings. If Clarkson doesn't sign here, I could see Bradley Beal as a possible addition once the Suns waive him, especially if he wants to return to the East Coast. I'm still of the belief that we need to get bigger. We need some bangers inside to compete on the boards. We saw many times in the playoffs how our lack of size created too many one & dones when Mitch was on the bench!
Hopefully, we'll be getting the roster for Vegas this week. Looking forward to seeing our young talent compete! "We're all excited about Mike Brown". I wouldn't describe myself as such, Jon. I'm more the cautiously optimistic type. I'm not from Missouri, but I'm in the "Show Me" category. I expect we'll get a press conference sometime this week to make Brown official (And before Vegas!).
Lastly, unless KAT gives his body & mind a makeover, (Hard to do vacationing & eating in Europe!), I'll continue to contend that his presence in the lineup doesn't fit. If Leon & Company's contention is that Brown will right the wrongs, we're in serious trouble. KAT is a great talent but the wrong talent for this team going forward. Just think about how many times he completely disappeared in the playoffs. And remember (I try to forget) how atrocious his defense is. The only partial solution is to acquire another center to pair with Mitch & move KAT to PF ( T-Wolves realized that & brought in Gobert). Another 50+ win season, only to lose in the playoffs won't cut it this year. LGK!
That’s an uninspiring list of players once you get past GPII. I’ve never been a Lyles guy, but that’s where I’d put my money. If it were me, I’d make it McCullar for that 13th roster spot and then sign a 0 year player to a contract — leaves room for a PJ Tucker like signing for the 15th spot later in the year
I’m really excited for this season. If for nothing else just to see how things unfold. The curiosity of how a new coach deploys all these options is as tantalizing a story for next season as any i can remember.
My biggest question isn’t really about who starts but who finishes games. Is Mike gonna lean on the very many possible hot hands? Or will politics of salary and status hold weight. Will mikes voice overrule the many chatting heads in the building or will there be more of a democracy.
The one thing about a Thibs coached team is you had no inquiry as to who was calling the shots, whatever the result you knew Thibs was responsible for better or worse.
This makes me think of the hornaceck year where he was just a Phil puppet. I really hope Mike isn’t being hired to be a puppet for the front office. He obviously knew what to say during the interview. Who amongst us didn’t parrot what we knew a prospective employer wanted to hear before getting a job and ultimately just falling into whatever your comfort strengths were.
This ain’t that kinda job tho. Any turbulence during the season can be catastrophic. Pressure is Diamond making high and as much as i want a championship the drama of what it’ll produce is as interesting as next seasons end result for me.
If the Knicks don't extend Bridges and/or Robinson, those guys will be unrestricted free agents on July 1st, 2026. I am 100% sure Rose will not let them reach that status so they will either sign an extension by the trade deadline, or they will be traded at the deadline.
Thinking of the bench, one thing that stands out to me is there isn’t a traditional PG, especially if Kolek isn’t getting minutes. Clarkson/Deuce don’t run offenses, and if they brought back Landry, that’s another SG. I’d love Landry back but as Jeremy said on the last CoNC, something seems off with the roster.
Is the plan to have Hart (or Simmons) as a point forward?
It appears Josh Hart is being marginalized. Pure hustle alone may not be enough to get him playing time given his shooting and height. He’s also at an age where there may be a fall off in speed. Josh needs every edge to see daylight.
I wouldn’t mind seeing Payton as a point of attack defender. However a second unit of Miles, Clarkson, and Payton doesn’t seem right.
I suspect it’s coming sooner rather than later. I love the guy, but his metrics aren’t for the team being assembled. His refusal to shoot has been his downfall.
What about Beal? Or is it just wishful thinking we just don't go there. I would prefer Malcolm Brogdon if they are going that route but really don't see the need for a ball handler when that could severely cut Deuce's minutes. Anyway Beal just on name alone makes me wonder if we should prepare ourselves for that potential outcome.
I really don't have much. He needs to be a threat to score, ideally from deep. He could be the best passer in the NBA but if he's not a real threat to score, at his size, he's an afterthought for me.
I think with more playing time he would score well enough. But if he's close to a lost cause defensively, it might be tough. A lot of times with a guy like Brunson, you want the backup to bring something to the table defensively. I don't think Kolek is that, and so he probably isn't useful as a guy you can bring in to put Brunson off ball.
The thing that keeps popping into my head with Kolek is that a lot of teams need a floor general / facilitator. Those are hard to find and I think Kolek would be a very attractive trade sweetener because of the chance - however slim - that he could have a Brunson-like jump. To me, that's more valuable than Hukporti or Dadiet. For a team with few draft assets, I think Kolek's likely to be a guy that pushes a trade over the finish line.
Sorry, got cut short. I just don't know if another undersized guard cuts it but boy can he pass and he was able to shoot when allowed to in the G league scoring as much as 30 points so I'm not so convinced that he can't shoot. it's the defense I worry about
Cutting myself off again too quickly. I remember the game where he scored 29 points for Westchester or 30 points and then came down to play for the next that night and that gives me some hope.
I agree. Of all the names listed, Simmons brings the most. Still a very strong defender, a very strong passer, and has generally been known as a total team player.
I think he can play I also think he doesn't really want to and playing in NY for the first time could really become a shit show if he's on the bench in designer mensware
if ther eis evidence Ben Simmons can still play he has not shown it. since he hurt his back in 2021 he's been awful and he looks like he does not like to play basketball..
Haha. It’s hard not to fall in love with his measurements. He can pass, rebound, and push the ball. There was also a time he could score by driving. If he’s healthy he could help. I’d say it’s worth the risk.
I’d imagine they want to sign him asap, if that is their intention. I believe it has been speculated they would trade him at the deadline rather then this go into the offseason unsigned.
I’m surprised we are not hearing more about serious minutes for Tyler Kolek. He is probably the best passer on the team and when he gets regular minutes would be one of the Knicks’ better three-point shooters. When you add those strengths along with the fact he signed a four-year deal, you’d think the scouts and front office liked him a lot when they drafted him. Tyler is also 24 years old, so he’s no baby. I just hope he is not a throw in for some deal and he comes back to haunt us.
Huk is another second-year player who I’d think should have potential as a rotation guy. His play improved until he tore up his knee. It is possible of course Huk is not making as much progress on his rehabilitation as we would hope.
Dadiet makes a bit more sense as a player who needs more growth. He is still only 19 (turns 20 at the end of the month) so maybe another season at the end of the bench will allow him to practice with the big boys and be able to contribute in the 2026/27 season.
In terms of signing that tenth player, ideally the Knicks would find a guard with size, who is a competent three-point shooter and a good defender. Of course, a player like this is not out in the wilderness looking for a team. Does that mean the Knicks are looking to trade for such a player? Almost every trade the Rose administration acquired came out of the clear blue with no rumors at all.
Kolek is a 2nd rd pick who played a bunch of college ball. I think he's an NBA player but I'm not shocked that he's outwardly an afterthought considering his draft position. That said this same FO drafted him so they probably think he could play.
I think the bar is just so high for an undersized guard in the league today. We'll see if he eventually clears it.
That makes sense Jonathan. But they did give him a four-year contract and Jalen is also an undersized guard, and was a second round pick. I’m obviously not comparing the two, but there are always exceptions to the rule. I guess my main hope that Kolek sticks is because he plays a beautiful brand of basketball that is becoming more rare in the league today aka a combination of vision/cutting/shooting.
I think summer league will be important for him similar to Grimes a few yrs back. He needs to look like he's too good. Specifically, the shot and defense have to show readiness.
As a card carrying member of the Hive and a 5’9” PG with 5 tools 😉, I know one when I see one. Give him the minutes. No one is a better passer or framer on the team. No one. He wasn’t given much of a chance to control pace and get us into a disciplined offensive set. We needed both a LOT last year and bless Cam Payne but he wasn’t it. I’m a little concerned on D. Can’t lie. FLY HIGH HIVE !!!
Hoping we get a Mike Brown presser this week. Like everyone, I'm eager to hear what he has to say about the roster.
And I'm excited for summer league, too. With Brown at the helm, it feels possible someone pops and earns some minutes.
I'm most curious, though, to see what else is in store. Sounds likely they'll add a veteran, but between the extension situations and possible trades, I think there's a chance we're not done. I'd be shocked if they traded Hart - they've done a lot to surprise us, but trading JB's best friend is a bridge too far (especially when you just fired the coach he grew up with) - but I could see Robinson (or even Bridges) on the move.
Biggest tease today, ref. Tucker: “ Perhaps the front office feels like a new coach will solve some of the issues that required PJ’s presence to begin with…..” did I miss what the issues were? Probably
They were subtle. I'll fill you in later
You’ll fill us all in I hope.
Fred and JEIII basically laid it all out in their season ending article. the questions about whether OG always played hard when he wasn't getting shots. the Mikal / Thibs stuff, and then the bit about other members of the org wondering whether KAT really understood the importance of showing consistent defensive principles. PJ came out openly and said they didn't communicate at all on defense before he got there. Fred has also said many times this just wasn't nearly as close knit a locker room as last year.
Thank you. You’re right it’s subtle. Seems like too many bruised egos. One can only hope that the opportunity they’ve been presented changes the I to We. A situation to monitor. PJ Tucker, a horse whisperer? Who’d have thunk!
I'm glad Yabusele's signing is official & that he adjusted his contract so that we can sign 2 more vets. (I say 2, because Clarkson still hasn't been confirmed & even though the press still writes about it as a done deal, the silence since he could have signed on Wednesday is deafening!) Toasting & Posting also listed FAs Torrey Craig, Caleb Houstan, Thomas Bryant, Mo Bamba, Alex Len as possible signings. If Clarkson doesn't sign here, I could see Bradley Beal as a possible addition once the Suns waive him, especially if he wants to return to the East Coast. I'm still of the belief that we need to get bigger. We need some bangers inside to compete on the boards. We saw many times in the playoffs how our lack of size created too many one & dones when Mitch was on the bench!
Hopefully, we'll be getting the roster for Vegas this week. Looking forward to seeing our young talent compete! "We're all excited about Mike Brown". I wouldn't describe myself as such, Jon. I'm more the cautiously optimistic type. I'm not from Missouri, but I'm in the "Show Me" category. I expect we'll get a press conference sometime this week to make Brown official (And before Vegas!).
Lastly, unless KAT gives his body & mind a makeover, (Hard to do vacationing & eating in Europe!), I'll continue to contend that his presence in the lineup doesn't fit. If Leon & Company's contention is that Brown will right the wrongs, we're in serious trouble. KAT is a great talent but the wrong talent for this team going forward. Just think about how many times he completely disappeared in the playoffs. And remember (I try to forget) how atrocious his defense is. The only partial solution is to acquire another center to pair with Mitch & move KAT to PF ( T-Wolves realized that & brought in Gobert). Another 50+ win season, only to lose in the playoffs won't cut it this year. LGK!
Can we watch summer league on our NBA league pass or is there some other way? Curious to see if our prospects give hope to our bench depth.
1st 2 are on NBATV, next to I believe are on ESPN2
next two*
That’s an uninspiring list of players once you get past GPII. I’ve never been a Lyles guy, but that’s where I’d put my money. If it were me, I’d make it McCullar for that 13th roster spot and then sign a 0 year player to a contract — leaves room for a PJ Tucker like signing for the 15th spot later in the year
Is it a coincidence that there is no news on a Mikal extension and that Mikal's Phoenix buddies Shamet & Payne are not being brought back?
I think they're still strongly considering Shamet, so i don't think so
I’m really excited for this season. If for nothing else just to see how things unfold. The curiosity of how a new coach deploys all these options is as tantalizing a story for next season as any i can remember.
My biggest question isn’t really about who starts but who finishes games. Is Mike gonna lean on the very many possible hot hands? Or will politics of salary and status hold weight. Will mikes voice overrule the many chatting heads in the building or will there be more of a democracy.
The one thing about a Thibs coached team is you had no inquiry as to who was calling the shots, whatever the result you knew Thibs was responsible for better or worse.
This makes me think of the hornaceck year where he was just a Phil puppet. I really hope Mike isn’t being hired to be a puppet for the front office. He obviously knew what to say during the interview. Who amongst us didn’t parrot what we knew a prospective employer wanted to hear before getting a job and ultimately just falling into whatever your comfort strengths were.
This ain’t that kinda job tho. Any turbulence during the season can be catastrophic. Pressure is Diamond making high and as much as i want a championship the drama of what it’ll produce is as interesting as next seasons end result for me.
I know MB is a people person, but I don't think he'd take the job if he was being puppetted.
Why the crickets on a Bridges extension?
good q...
I didn’t mean crickets from you and KFS, I meant in general from anywhere.
no i know. There's just nothing out there on it at the moment. which could mean something or it could mean nothing lol
lol
We don't need to extend now right? We can extend anytime this or next year, right?
If the Knicks don't extend Bridges and/or Robinson, those guys will be unrestricted free agents on July 1st, 2026. I am 100% sure Rose will not let them reach that status so they will either sign an extension by the trade deadline, or they will be traded at the deadline.
Thinking of the bench, one thing that stands out to me is there isn’t a traditional PG, especially if Kolek isn’t getting minutes. Clarkson/Deuce don’t run offenses, and if they brought back Landry, that’s another SG. I’d love Landry back but as Jeremy said on the last CoNC, something seems off with the roster.
Is the plan to have Hart (or Simmons) as a point forward?
I think that's why you're hearing the Simmons stuff.
It appears Josh Hart is being marginalized. Pure hustle alone may not be enough to get him playing time given his shooting and height. He’s also at an age where there may be a fall off in speed. Josh needs every edge to see daylight.
I wouldn’t mind seeing Payton as a point of attack defender. However a second unit of Miles, Clarkson, and Payton doesn’t seem right.
If Josh really is falling off, they should move him now, as much as that would pain me
I suspect it’s coming sooner rather than later. I love the guy, but his metrics aren’t for the team being assembled. His refusal to shoot has been his downfall.
Hart is a bench guy on a championship team IMO.
That’s from the heart not the head. Absolutely no pun intended
Jon, the apron is changing everything isn’t it. Affordable skills appear to be the goal. Very interesting.
This entire thread pains me. 😭
What about Beal? Or is it just wishful thinking we just don't go there. I would prefer Malcolm Brogdon if they are going that route but really don't see the need for a ball handler when that could severely cut Deuce's minutes. Anyway Beal just on name alone makes me wonder if we should prepare ourselves for that potential outcome.
seems destined to be in LA
Looking forward to hear your thoughts on kolek
I really don't have much. He needs to be a threat to score, ideally from deep. He could be the best passer in the NBA but if he's not a real threat to score, at his size, he's an afterthought for me.
I think with more playing time he would score well enough. But if he's close to a lost cause defensively, it might be tough. A lot of times with a guy like Brunson, you want the backup to bring something to the table defensively. I don't think Kolek is that, and so he probably isn't useful as a guy you can bring in to put Brunson off ball.
The thing that keeps popping into my head with Kolek is that a lot of teams need a floor general / facilitator. Those are hard to find and I think Kolek would be a very attractive trade sweetener because of the chance - however slim - that he could have a Brunson-like jump. To me, that's more valuable than Hukporti or Dadiet. For a team with few draft assets, I think Kolek's likely to be a guy that pushes a trade over the finish line.
But for once, I disagree with you
Sorry, got cut short. I just don't know if another undersized guard cuts it but boy can he pass and he was able to shoot when allowed to in the G league scoring as much as 30 points so I'm not so convinced that he can't shoot. it's the defense I worry about
I do think he can shoot. He just needs to show it in games.
Cutting myself off again too quickly. I remember the game where he scored 29 points for Westchester or 30 points and then came down to play for the next that night and that gives me some hope.
He was shot 29 or 30 points
I want Simmons as a bench player and I hate it.
no reason to hate it. the guy can still play.
I agree. Of all the names listed, Simmons brings the most. Still a very strong defender, a very strong passer, and has generally been known as a total team player.
I think he can play I also think he doesn't really want to and playing in NY for the first time could really become a shit show if he's on the bench in designer mensware
Played in Brooklyn for 3 seasons......
Yeah, was taking a shot at the nets that might've been to cute when I should've just put "that Brooklyn shit was cute"
if ther eis evidence Ben Simmons can still play he has not shown it. since he hurt his back in 2021 he's been awful and he looks like he does not like to play basketball..
Haha. It’s hard not to fall in love with his measurements. He can pass, rebound, and push the ball. There was also a time he could score by driving. If he’s healthy he could help. I’d say it’s worth the risk.
I’d imagine they want to sign him asap, if that is their intention. I believe it has been speculated they would trade him at the deadline rather then this go into the offseason unsigned.
Why isn't Shamet nor Wright also being considered out of curiosity?
Shamet certainly is, which is why I mentioned him before my list of 5. IDK about Wright