Knicks Morning News (2025.07.20)

I’ll give a full-throated response since there’s nothing else going on.

“I didn’t see anything to make me think our bench is going to be stronger next year based on youthful development.”

Summer League is not really a great indicator, so whatever. As I said, let’s wait until at least preseason before being out on Kolek, beyond reinforcing that using the last vet’s minimum spot on a backup PG would be advisable. Dadiet and Huk actually looked okay. Most importantly, 3 months is a long time in the life of a young player, they can definitely improve on things in the time between now and training camp. That especially goes for Diawara, who looked pretty good for a 20YO before he started forcing things in the last game.

“I think Yabu will be a step up from Precious on offense, but a step down on the boards and probably on defense.”

He’s almost certainly a better overall player, and probably by a considerable margin.

“We are losing some combination of Shamet, Payne and Wright.”

All of them are scrubs who can be replaced at a moment’s notice. If you are concerned about losing any of them, that’s a “you” problem.

“I don’t like Clarkson at all.”

Also a “you” problem. He’s way better than any of those other three scrubs.

“The best chance for this team to be better and keep up with all the younger teams, injured teams and teams that added through the draft is for Mitch to be healthy and productive for a full season.”

That would help, but the “best chance?” Come on.

-You were very adamant in calling for a coaching change. Brown is a very different coach than Thibs, far more likely to implement the changes you have been advocating for. Why would that not be out “best chance?”
-The core of the team has an entire year together to build off of, including 3 tough playoff rounds. Shouldn’t that experience be invaluable?
-I can’t fathom how you are the least bit concerned that our bench will be underwhelming, especially compared to last year, and especially, especially with a coach who theoretically will be less rigid about how he uses his bench.