The New York Knicks new coach Mike Brown now leads a roster expected to challenge for the NBA Finals. Once missing playoffs, New York is now viewed as one of the Eastern Conference’s strongest title contenders.
All five starters return from the squad that advanced to the conference finals for the first time in 25 years. Though Tom Thibodeau was dismissed in the offseason, the Knicks still speak with his same work-driven mindset.
“All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns said Tuesday, “We understand the opportunity that’s in front of us, so we’ve just got to go out there every single day and find a way to get better every single night and give our best version to our fans every single night.”
Towns arrived in a blockbuster trade with Minnesota just before last season’s training camp. The biggest offseason change was Thibodeau’s exit, after guiding New York to the playoffs in four of five seasons.
Brunson Ready for Role Shift Under Brown
Jalen Brunson, who flourished into an All-Star under Thibodeau, acknowledged the pain of losing a familiar coach. Yet he remains committed to leading New York forward. “For me, it’s my job to go out there and just find a way to help this team win,” Brunson said.
Brown has indicated the offense could run faster, with Brunson handling the ball less often. The Knicks captain accepted the challenge. “If you want to win, you’ll do it. It’s that simple,” Brunson added.
Knicks Carry Heavy Championship Pressure
The Knicks begin earlier than most teams with two preseason games in Abu Dhabi against Philadelphia. After back-to-back 50-win seasons, oddsmakers place them just behind Oklahoma City and Cleveland in the title race.
Brown reminded his players of the pressure: “And when you do have that on your backs, you’ve got to bring your best every time you step on the floor and not just come game time.”
Josh Hart, recovering from a finger procedure, joked about his uncertain starting role. “If I don’t start, I’ll probably ask for a trade.” He clarified his commitment by adding, “I think I’m a starter in the league. I think I deserve to be a starter in the league, but at the end of the day it’s what’s best for the team.”
Focus on Today, Not June
Mikal Bridges reflected on how last year’s near miss fuels the Knicks now. “I think every team that doesn’t make it there, or any team that makes it there and loses, has it for fuel,” he said. “But just control what you can control, take it day by day, and you can’t get to June without going through all these other months. So just got to worry about the now and get prepared.”
With Karl-Anthony Towns, Jalen Brunson, and new coach Mike Brown, the New York Knicks new coach era starts with optimism and championship pressure firmly on their shoulders.
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