Category: NBA

New York hired Tom Thibodeau to take over as the team's head coach ahead of the 2020-21 season. Things went well early on; he won Coach of the Year in his first season at the helm and helped the Knicks return to the postseason. Year two was a down year, but New York advanced past the first round each of the last three seasons and made the Eastern Conference Finals this season. During his five years leading the team, Thibodeau led the Knicks to a 226-174 record in the regular season and a 24-23 playoff record, which included four series wins. Thibs' 226 wins are the second most by a head coach in franchise history.

On Tuesday, his time leading the franchise came to an end. ESPN's Shams Charania was the first to report on the situation, but the Knicks also released a statement that they had moved on from Thibodeau.

So, where do the Knicks go from here? The last head coach to lead the Knicks to the playoffs before Thibodeau was Mike Woodson, and the coaches after him weren't the most inspiring bunch. From Derek Fisher to Jeff Hornacek to David Fizdale, New York would like to avoid a repeat of one of the darker eras in the history of the franchise.

With the talent currently on the roster and a few draft picks to work with over the next few seasons, this should be an enticing spot for potential coaching candidates. Of course, that will come with plenty of expectations, especially with the Eastern Conference set up to be weaker than ever next season.

Raphielle Johnson: Well, here we are. While the Knicks' decision to fire Thibodeau is surprising on the surface level, especially with the team reaching the conference finals for the first time since 2000, how stunning is it? Thibodeau leaned on his starting lineup to the point where there was no experimentation until desperate times arose, with the Knicks headed to Indiana in a 0-2 hole. There's no question that he did an excellent job in turning around a franchise that was the laughing stock of the NBA when he took over.

Multiple playoff appearances, a trip to the conference finals, and consecutive 50-win seasons for the first time in 30 years are nothing to scoff at. However, while he undoubtedly raised the Knicks' floor, it's fair to question the team's ceiling with Thibodeau in charge. Sometimes, the person best equipped to begin the climb isn't the one who should get you to the summit of the proverbial mountain.

As for where the Knicks go from here, Leon Rose will have to find someone willing to expand their rotation, especially early in the season. That's where a team can experiment with different looks and combinations, while also keeping the key players somewhat fresh for the stretch run. And what can the new coach and their staff do defensively? If the roster remains intact at the top, you're talking about a defensive system that will have to compensate for the presence of two "minus" defenders in Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Lastly, the culture built by Thibodeau can't be overlooked. But this move is a sign that the Knicks will rely even more on Brunson, the team captain, to maintain it.

Noah Rubin: At the end of the day, this is a league that is based on results. Every team has a different definition of what that looks like every season, and team president Leon Rose obviously felt that, regardless of what Thibs has accomplished, he wasn't the right man to lead this team to a championship next season. It's that simple. Only time will tell if it was the right decision.

This team could benefit from some offensive creativity from their next coach. In the playoffs, the Knicks had the worst assist percentage in the league. Nearly half of the team's made shots in the playoffs were unassisted. In contrast, the Pacers have had the best assist percentage in the postseason. The Knicks also averaged 10.9 isolation possessions per game in the playoffs. Aside from the Celtics, every team that spent more time in isolation than New York lost in the first round, and most lost in four or five games. They have two players who have averaged more than 25 points per game in a season, and two more talented wings who have come close to averaging 20 points per game. As tremendous as Jalen Brunson is when playing hero ball, it isn't the most sustainable style of play for the entirety of a playoff run.

Thibs was known for relying heavily on his starters. This past season, Mikal Bridges made it known that he talked to Thibodeau about lightening the load on the starters. During the regular season, all five starters for the Knicks averaged at least 35 minutes per game, and both Bridges and Josh Hart were over 37 minutes per game. New York was blessed with health on their side, with all five starters playing at least 65 games, but that is a lot of miles to put on their knees, especially if they want to be able to win 16 playoff games.

Though it's unclear how drastic a change would be, the next head coach will likely use a more balanced rotation. That means that the production of the starters will likely take at least a slight hit, while Miles McBride, Mitchell Robinson and Precious Achiuwa could spend more time on the floor. Of course, New York could make roster changes this offseason that also alter the rotation. Still, whoever ends up as the Knicks' primary reserve options will likely see more opportunity than they did during the Thibodeau era.

Kurt Helin: Who are you going to get that's better?

Firing Thibodeau is a massive gamble by team president Leon Rose and owner James Dolan. Thibs, for all his flaws as a coach, built a culture of winning, brought stability, and earned buy-in from the players. Sources have talked to me about how Thibs' messaging was unclear and didn't get through to Karl-Anthony Towns, and that his old-school, grinding style turned off some potential free agents/trade targets, but at the end of the day the Knicks made the playoffs as many times in Thibodeau's five years as coach as they had the previous 20 years.

So, who are the Knicks getting that's better?

Fired Denver coach Michael Malone is the first name to come up in conversations, and he brought the Nuggets their first title ever (with a little help from Nikola Jokic). That said, he is similar in style to Thibodeau, albeit a little more flexible in using his bench. Both coaches tend to wear on players over time.

One name to watch: Jonnie Bryant. He was a Knicks assistant coach under Thibodeau who joined Kenny Atkinson's staff in Cleveland last season and helped that franchise take a leap to the next level. However, hiring a first-time head coach to take over a win-now team, in the nation's toughest media market, is a significant risk.

Former Villanova coach Jay Wright comes up and would be popular with the 'Nova Knicks players (including Brunson), but does he want to take on this NBA job (or any NBA job)? UConn coach Dan Hurley's name also will come up, although some front office executives around the league question if his coaching style would translate to the next level.

There are long-shot possibilities — former Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins, Heat assistant Chris Quinn — but if you really want to watch your Knicks fan friends' heads explode, bring up Doc Rivers. (There is no way Rivers gets this job, but the reaction is priceless.)

Whoever the Knicks hire, the bigger question may be, does it matter if 40% of your core starting five are negative defenders?

Despite the Knicks reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years — and then team star Jalen Brunson sticking up for him — Tom Thibodeau has been fired as head coach of the New York Knicks.

The news comes just days after the Knicks finished their best playoff result in a quarter century. However, the franchise is focused on winning a title and believes that a ceiling has been reached, necessitating a new voice to lead the locker room, according to reports. The decision was made by team president Leon Rose, a close confidant of Thibodeau's, with the support of owner James Dolan, reports Ian Begley of SNY.TV.

The firing appeared to catch the Knicks players off guard.

Heading into the playoffs, there was a buzz in league circles that if the New York Knicks got bounced in the first two rounds of the playoffs, head coach Tom Thibodeau's job would be in jeopardy. However, after the team made the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years, and considering Thibodeau's close ties to Rose and Brunson, it was thought by many around the league that Thibs had earned another chance.

The limitations exposed by the Pacers in the East finals were a combination of Rose and the front office not giving the Knicks enough of a bench and Thibodeau's reluctance to trust players he did have, like Landry Shamet, who stepped up when called upon. The problem of constructing a roster that could not defend — a team that had to play the gutty but undersized Brunson and center Karl-Anthony Towns, whose defensive deficiencies were on full display in Game 6 — should not be placed on Thibodeau.

Among the early names to watch as a replacement are Michael Malone (who was just let go by Denver near the end of the season) and whispers of college coaches such as Jay Wright.

The last time the Orlando Magic were a dominant, feared force in the East, Shaq and Penny were wearing pinstripe uniforms.

The Magic are a team on the rise again and the rebrand unveiled Tuesday leans into that iconic look of stars and pinstripes.

Paolo Banchero and the other Magic players get it.

The pinstripe look has been used by the team frequently over the last decade as a throwback style, but now it is back front and center.

"With the team and Magic brand continuing to grow, the new logo fondly revisits the Magic's history making an iconic and fan-favorite franchise symbol 'the star' once again," Orlando described the new look in its press release. "The logo evolves with a nod towards nostalgia featuring a legendary, star-centric logo displaying a 'reach for the stars' mentality to match the team's championship ideals."

"Based on fan feedback, the new logo was a collaboration and really a labor of love keeping in mind the affinity our fans have for our brand identity," said Magic Executive Vice President of Marketing and Social Responsibility Shelly Wilkes. "This logo and new uniforms signify the beginning of a new era of excellence for the Magic while paying homage to the past. We are excited to build upon our rich history with a modernized version of the uniform and logo that our fan base cherishes."

The Magic can only hope the throwback uniforms bring back the throwback level of success the franchise saw in the Shaq and Penny era.

In a few weeks we will have a new NBA Champion — for the seventh straight year — and a first-time champion. Technically. The Pacers have three ABA titles from the 1970s before joining the NBA, and the Thunder's predecessors, the Seattle SuperSonics, had one, but we're not counting any of that. The 2025 NBA Finals are about change, led by a new generation of stars that have taken over the league, even if you wouldn't know it watching the NBA's national broadcast schedule — neither of these teams played on Christmas Day.

Here is everything you need to know about the 2025 NBA Finals.

When does the Pacers vs. Thunder begin?

Indiana travels to Oklahoma City for Game 1 of the Finals on Thursday, June 5. This is a 2-2-1-1-1 format, but for the teams the travel isn't that bad between these Midwestern cities.

Indiana vs. Oklahoma City Finals Schedule 2025

All times are Eastern (* = if necessary)
Game 1: Pacers at Thunder; Thu. June 5, 8:30, ABC
Game 2: Pacers at Thunder; Sun. June 8, 8, ABC
Game 3: Thunder at Pacers; Wed. June 11, 8:30, ABC
Game 4: Thunder at Pacers; Fri. June 13, 8:30, ABC
Game 5: Pacers at Thunder; Mon. June 16, 8:30, ABC*
Game 6: Thunder at Pacers; Thu. June 19, 8:30, ABC*
Game 7: Pacers at Thunder; Sun, June 22, 8 ABC*

Players to watch

Myles Turner

Taking too much from regular-season meetings when assessing how a matchup impacts players and teams can be a fool's errand, due to the differing circumstances. However, regarding Turner, it's clear that he will need to be more productive against the Thunder than he was in Indiana's two regular-season defeats if the Pacers are to win their first NBA title. Shooting 6-of-19 from the field, he averaged 11.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.5 blocks per game against Oklahoma City. And while Turner did shoot 56 percent from the field in the Eastern Conference Finals, he only averaged 3.2 rebounds per game. Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam will be the headliners for Indiana in this series, but they'll need Turner to be at his best to win this series.
—Raphielle Johnson, Rotoworld basketball analyst

Andrew Nembhard

Nembhard has been effective on both sides of the ball for Indiana over the last two postseasons, and he was the primary defender on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during their two regular season matchups. SGA scored 78 points across those games, and per NBA.com's tracking, he shot 11-of-18 from the floor and scored 27 points with Nembhard as his matchup. Nembhard averaged 19.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists against OKC this season, so he'll need to continue to be effective on offense, but he simply needs to be able to slow SGA down if the Pacers are going to have a chance to win this series. Aaron Nesmith could also spend time guarding SGA, but it was Nembhard's job during the regular season. As of now, a lot of responsibility will rest on his shoulders to give the Pacers an opportunity to pull an upset.
—Noah Rubin, Rotoworld basketball analyst

Keys to watch for in Indiana vs. Oklahoma City

Turnovers & Transition

The Indiana Pacers want chaos on the court. They want a game played at a breakneck pace, forcing defensive cross-matches (if the team even gets back, the Knicks too often didn't). They want to force turnovers and turn the game into a track meet. They make quick decisions with plenty of player and ball movement, even in their half-court sets. The energy and pace at which they played almost seemed to surprise teams at points in the East playoffs.

Indiana's problem in the Finals: Oklahoma City thrives in chaos. The Thunder will not be surprised by the pace, they will welcome it — at points these NBA Finals will resemble the Olympic drill.

The Thunder have been better in transition than the Pacers this postseason. OKC's defense is a turnover forcing machine that scores 1.42 points per transition possession — Haliburton and Indiana are very good at taking care of the ball, but that will be tested in the Finals.

The Thunder have run more than the Pacers in these playoffs: The Thunder have started 15.6% of their playoff possessions in transition compared to 13.8% for Indiana, and the Thunder are scoring at a slightly higher rate on those opportunities.

OKC brings the best transition defense in the league to the table. This postseason, both Finals teams have been good at stopping their opponents from running on them — just 11% of Thunder opponent possessions started in possession, that is 11.8% for the Pacers. What Indiana has done well is limit teams, even in transition, giving up less than a point per possession in transition against them (OKC allows 1.15 points per possession in transition, still an impressive figure).

If Indiana is going to pull off the upset in this series, it must take care of the ball and not give the Thunder easy buckets going the other way. Indiana also is going to have to figure out how to score consistently in the half court against the best defense in the league because the easy transition buckets will not be there.

The midrange game is back

No player has attempted more midrange shots these playoffs than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and he is shooting 47.9% on them (according to the NBA's tracking stats). Indiana as a team has thrived in the midrange this postseason, taking 16.4% of their shots from there and hitting 48.7% of those.

In a league dominated by 3-pointers, both the Thunder and Pacers are comfortable taking what the defense gives them from the mid-range. We'll still see a lot of 3-pointers in this Finals matchup, especially if SGA and Haliburton are touching the paint on drives then kicking out to open shooters, but both are more than willing to win from the midrange. It's going to feel like a throwback series at times.

If one team dominates from there it will be a huge advantage.

Haliburton vs. Thunder defense

In the opening round, it was Ja Morant, who scored five points below his season average in the face of the Thunder's pressure defense and he was far less efficient, shooting just 41.5% (which was the same as the entire Grizzlies team). Next it was Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray, who shot just 40.5% against the Thunder (down from 47.4% during the regular season). Minnesota's All-NBA Anthony Edwards had an up-and-down series against the Thunder and when it was over described their defense as "15 puppets on one string."

While Tyrese Haliburton has had a brilliant playoffs, when the Knicks cranked up the ball pressure in Game 5 — picking him up out high and being more physical — Haliburton faded into the background for a game. While that game was an outlier this postseason, and he responded to the pressure in Game 6, Haliburton has had similar games before when teams get physical with him.

Oklahoma City is going to get physical with him. And be relentless. Lu Dort is likely to start on Haliburton, but Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace, and Alex Caruso will all get their turns. There will be swarming double teams and guys jumping passing lanes as he tries to outlet away from the pressure.

For the Pacers to have a chance at the upset in this series, Haliburton has to rise above that and be able to orchestrate the Pacers' offense at the pace they want. That's a lot easier said than done, but Haliburton is playing at his peak. He's going to have to find a new level in this series for Indiana to pull the upset.
—Kurt Helin, NBC Sports lead NBA writer

Best Bets for Finals

I went with the Thunder in 5 (+250) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to win the Finals MVP in a landslide (-550).

For lunch money, I played the series exact outcomes at +650 and +820. They involve OKC winning Games 1, 2, 4 and 5, with Indiana taking Game 3 (+650) and for the second, OKC winning Games 1, 2, 3, and 5, leaving Indiana to win Game 4 (+820). Those exact outcomes are the second and third favorites in terms of odds behind an OKC sweep (+330).
—Vaughn Dalzell, NBC Sports Betting Analyst

Predictions

Jay Croucher (NBC Sports Lead Betting Analyst): Thunder in 6

Indiana's unique, constantly moving offense and excellent coaching gives them a high floor in any series. They need a ceiling to beat a historic OKC team, though — and that is probably lacking.

Obi Toppin, TJ McConnell, Bennedict Mathurin, Thomas Bryant and Ben Sheppard could all hang through the East — expect them to be Indy's downfall, though, against OKC's relentless pressure.

Drew Dinsick (NBC Sports Betting Analyst): Thunder in 5

My numbers support a clear advantage for the Thunder in these finals with the home team better by 9.5 points in Games 1 and 2 and 5 points to the good in Indiana. Overall, this gives OKC fair odds of -861, or an 89% chance to lift the Larry O'Brien.

Considering this is new territory for a young team and because the Pacers present a few unique challenges, it's reasonable to expect we will see at least 5 games to decide our champion. Predicting the Thunder will clinch at home in Game 5 where they have been absolutely sublime this postseason. Fittingly, SGA completes the MVP sweep in doing so.

Vaughn Dalzell (NBC Sports Betting Analyst): Thunder in 5

Indiana has had one of the most memorable and miraculous runs to the NBA Finals over the last 25 years, but it's about to come to an overwhelming end versus Oklahoma City.

OKC is the much deeper team with more three-and-D players that can stretch the floor and limit Indiana. Outside of Haliburton or Siakam, I have trust issues with the Pacers' role/bench players' ability to score in this series.

Brad Thomas (NBC Sports Betting Analyst): Thunder in 6

There's a reason why the Oklahoma City Thunder (-700) are the biggest NBA Finals favorites since the 2018 Golden State Warriors. In the regular season, the Thunder had the third-highest offensive rating and the highest defensive rating.

The Thunder have two players on the NBA All-Defensive Teams. That's not including Alex Caruso, who was the best defender on the team, but ineligible to make the squad. The NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also leads the Thunder's offense. Offensively stout, and they have depth to mix it up both offensively and defensively.

The Pacers are insanely talented and deserve to be in the Finals. It's just the Thunder are playing on another level right now.

Finals MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Kurt Helin (NBC Sports lead NBA writer): Thunder in 5

In broad strokes, the Pacers and Thunder want to play a similar style of game — both prefer the game to feel chaotic. They spread the floor and move the ball, and both are happy to get out and run, all of which should make for an entertaining NBA Finals.

Here's Indiana's problem: Tyrese Haliburton is outstanding, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is just better; Indiana's defense is improved and can force turnovers, but OKC's is elite and just better; Myles Turner is good, but Chet Holmgren is just better (especially paired with Isiah Hartenstein); the Pacers bench was good enough for the East, but the Thunder bench is just better. And so it goes down the line. Indiana is a quality team that's about to get overwhelmed.

While the NBA Playoffs are in full swing, now is a good time to recap the fantasy basketball season for all 30 teams.

In the following weeks, we will provide a recap for each team, starting with the team with the worst record and concluding with the NBA champion in June.

Next up are the New York Knicks, who made significant changes after a second-round exit in last season's playoffs. The first move was to add another Villanova alum to the roster, acquiring Mikal Bridges from the Nets in exchange for a package that included five future first-round picks. Lead executive Leon Rose wasn't finished either, sending Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesota in exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns. The Knicks would go on to record a second straight 50-win season, the first time they've done so since the mid-90s, and reach the conference finals for the first time since 2000.

New York Knicks 2024-2025 Season Recap

Record: 51-31 (3rd, East)

Offensive Rating: 117.3 (5th)

Defensive Rating: 113.3 (13th)

Net Rating: 4.0 (8th)

Pace: 97.64 (26th)

2025 NBA Draft Picks: 50

With the additions of Bridges and Towns, the Knicks boasted what was expected to be one of the best starting fives in the NBA. And that's how things played out for a while, but there was a shift during the latter stages of the regular season. After the All-Star break, New York's net rating of 0.3 ranked 18th in the NBA, due mainly to a sharp decrease in the team's offensive rating. Ranked second in that category before the break, the Knicks were 22nd in offensive rating after.

Still, the Knicks managed to win 51 games and earn the 3-seed in the East, with Towns (third team) and Jalen Brunson (second team) earning All-NBA honors. After battling through a six-game series with Detroit and Boston, New York faced long-time nemesis Indiana in the Eastern Conference Finals. After shockingly blowing Game 1, the team's lack of depth and penchant for committing turnovers proved costly, as the Pacers won the series in six games. Rose and company now head into a critical offseason for the franchise, as the Knicks need to strengthen their bench, especially when considering the depth of the two teams in the NBA Finals.

That said, with Boston due to be without Jayson Tatum for most of next season due to his ruptured Achilles tendon, the Knicks will likely be viewed as one of the preseason favorites in the East. Whether or not they make good on those expectations will depend on what the front office does this offseason.

Fantasy Standout: Karl-Anthony Towns

With the move from Minnesota to New York, many fantasy managers expected Towns' fantasy value to spike this season. With Mitchell Robinson unavailable due to offseason ankle surgery, KAT was the lone big in the Knicks' starting lineup, and he flourished offensively. Appearing in 72 games, he averaged 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.7 blocks and 2.0 three-pointers in 35.0 minutes. In addition to recording a career-best rebounding average, Towns matched his previous high in steals (2021-22). That was also the last season in which Towns played at least 70 games.

KAT did have to deal with a left knee injury down the stretch that lingered into the postseason, but availability was not an issue. Towns scored at least 30 points in 22 games, which included five games of 40 or more, led by a 46-point effort in a November 13 loss to the Bulls. Entering the season with a Yahoo! ADP of 19, KAT exceeded those expectations, providing top-10 value in eight- and nine-cat formats, and he was a top-5 player regarding total value. While there have been some early questions in the immediate aftermath of the Knicks' elimination from the playoffs, he had an outstanding debut season in the Big Apple. Towns should be a first-round pick in fantasy drafts in the fall.

Fantasy Revelation: OG Anunoby

While few questioned Anunoby's ability to be a quality asset for their fantasy teams, the consensus was that he would be a middle-round pick. He finished his first season with the Knicks ranked just outside the top-75 in per-game value and entered the 2024-25 campaign with a Yahoo! ADP of 80. Availability issues in the past impacted his draft position, with Anunoby exceeding 65 regular-season appearances once since the 2019-20 season. Not only did OG appear in 74 games, but this was also his most productive offensive season as a pro.

Shooting 47.6 percent from the field and 81.0 percent from the foul line, Anunoby averaged 18.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.9 blocks and 2.3 three-pointers in 36.6 minutes. Recording a career-high scoring average, he was a top-40 player in nine-cat formats and sat just outside the top-50 in eight-cat formats. Anunoby had 32 games in which he scored at least 20 points, nearly triple his 2023-24 total (11), including a 40-point effort in New York's November 25 blowout of the Nuggets. OG has provided top-50 value in three of his last five seasons, but there were questions following the additions of Towns and Bridges. There should be no such concerns heading into drafts next fall.

Fantasy Disappointment: Mikal Bridges

Unfortunately for Bridges, the haul New York gave up to acquire him was something that would be cited throughout his first season with the Knicks. While his first full season with the Nets was not as productive as many fantasy managers anticipated, the feeling was that the slender wing would be able to provide top-50 value, or at least approach it. That would not be the case, as Bridges got off to a slow start and ultimately failed to crack the top-75 in eight- or nine-cat formats. Once again appearing in all 82 games, he averaged 17.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.5 blocks and 2.0 three-pointers in 37.0 minutes, shooting 50 percent from the field and 81.4 percent from the foul line.

Those aren't bad numbers by any stretch of the imagination, and Bridges being dependable from an availability standpoint raises his fantasy floor. That said, more was expected from the newest member of the Knicks' "WingStop" trio. His average of 1.4 free throw attempts per game was the lowest for Bridges since his rookie season, and that was also the last time he shot as poorly from three as he did in 2024-25. Eligible for a contract extension this summer, Bridges' role with the Knicks is unlikely to change much if the front office does not make any significant moves. The hope is that he'll be more comfortable offensively, thus improving his fantasy value after it slipped in 2024-25.

Fantasy Recaps/Look-Aheads

Jalen Brunson

Brunson's fantasy ranking illustrates the difference between actual player value and fantasy basketball value. No one in their right mind would say that Brunson's 2024-25 season was disappointing, given his numbers and achievements, which included a second-team All-NBA selection and starting in the All-Star Game for the first time. However, he had a Yahoo! ADP of 19, meaning that many fantasy managers projected him to be something close to a cornerstone for their rosters. Brunson finished with averages of 26.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 0.9 steals and 2.3 three-pointers in 35.4 minutes, shooting 48.8 percent from the field and 82.1 percent from the foul line.

Those numbers were good enough for top-50 value in eight- and nine-cat formats, with the Knicks captain appearing in 65 games. The most significant issue for fantasy managers was the unfortunate timing of his lone extended absence, with a right ankle injury sidelining Brunson for 15 games in March and April. There were moments during the postseason in which Brunson appeared to tweak his ankle, but he did not miss any time. While some may be hesitant to use a top-20 pick on Brunson again, especially if the Knicks don't make any significant moves in the offseason, he's worth the risk.

Josh Hart

With the addition of Bridges and Towns to the Knicks' starting lineup, Hart was the player many expected to take the most significant hit to his fantasy value. The rugged wing entered the season with a Yahoo! ADP of 116, a clear sign that fantasy managers did not expect much more than late-round value. Averaging a career-high 37.6 minutes per game during the regular season, Hart contributed 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.1 three-pointers, shooting 52.5 percent from the field and 77.6 percent from the foul line. His nine triple-doubles broke a Knicks' single-season franchise record previously held by Walt "Clyde" Frazier, and Hart finished as a third-round player in eight- and nine-cat formats.

However, the lackluster perimeter shooting and turnovers proved problematic during the postseason, especially in the Eastern Conference Finals. Hart was replaced in the starting lineup by Mitchell Robinson ahead of Game 3 and would come off the bench in each of the final four contests. While Hart hit double digits in rebounds in three of those reserve appearances and recorded two double-doubles, his impact in that series was muted. Was the move to the bench a sign of what's to come in 2025-26? Regardless of the answer, Hart's draft position is unlikely to match his 2024-25 output, but coming off the bench will likely lower his fantasy ceiling.

Mitchell Robinson

After a second surgery on his right ankle last May, Robinson was not ready to begin the 2024-25 season. That factored into the Knicks' decision to get the Towns trade completed, as the team would have gone into training camp with Precious Achiuwa and rookie Ariel Hukporti as its healthy options at the center position. Robinson did not make his first appearance of the season until February 28 against the Grizzlies, surpassing 20 minutes twice in his first 14 outings. His impact as an offensive rebounder and defender gave the Knicks a welcome boost during the postseason. Still, his poor foul shooting made the 7-footer a target for intentional fouls, especially in the Boston series.

While he was not much of a help to fantasy managers after returning from injury, providing top-150 value in nine-cat formats, it's easy to envision a scenario in which Robinson figures more prominently in the Knicks' rotation next season. He replaced Hart in the starting lineup for the final four games of the conference finals, giving New York a much-needed boost on the offensive glass and the defensive end of the floor. However, the limitations make Robinson a player best suited for rosters that can either absorb his poor foul shooting or punt that category outright.

Miles McBride

McBride was projected to be the Knicks' most valuable reserve this season, and that's how things played out. In 64 games, he averaged 9.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.8 three-pointers in 24.9 minutes, with each of those numbers being career-highs. Deuce started 10 games, most occurring while the Knicks were without Brunson, before a groin injury sidelined him for eight games in late-March/early April. While he did exceed his Yahoo! ADP of 144 in nine-cat formats, there was the feeling that something was left on the table, through no fault of McBride's.

As the limitations of New York's starting lineup rose to the surface during the second half of the regular season, that did not result in McBride getting more time with the team's top four scorers. And that was before Brunson went down with his ankle injury. And when Thibodeau decided to change the starting lineup in the conference finals, he went with rebounding/defense (Robinson) to replace Josh Hart instead of McBride, who could have added more scoring. McBride is the lone rotation reserve under contract for next season, so his role is unlikely to change much. He'll remain a late-round option in standard leagues.

Precious Achiuwa

After hitting free agency following a solid run with the Knicks last season, Achiuwa inked a one-year deal with the team in late July. While it appeared that he could be in for a more prominent role due to Mitchell Robinson's offseason ankle surgery, things would not play out that way. The addition of Towns gave the Knicks a needed boost of talent at the center position, relegating Achiuwa to a reserve role on most nights. He made 10 starts, finishing the regular season with averages of 6.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.7 blocks in 20.5 minutes, shooting 50.2 percent from the field and 59.4 percent from the foul line.

Along with fellow reserves Cameron Payne, Landry Shamet and Delon Wright, Achiuwa will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. While there will likely be a desire for a more prominent role somewhere, that may not be in the cards. Achiuwa returning to New York would mean another season in which he doesn't offer much beyond streaming value when one of the preferred big men isn't available to play.

Restricted Free Agents: MarJon Beauchamp, Kevin McCullar Jr., Anton Watson

Unrestricted Free Agents: Precious Achiuwa, Cameron Payne, Landry Shamet, Delon Wright

Team Option: P.J. Tucker, Ariel Hukporti