Mike Brown’s going to face a good kind of problem when OG Anunoby returns from his hamstring injury: who gets the final starting spot alongside Anunoby, Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and Karl-Anthony Towns? Josh Hart, Deuce McBride, and Mitchell Robinson each bring something unique to the table-and the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. And that’s exactly the point.
This isn’t about locking in a permanent fifth starter. It’s about embracing the flexibility that makes this Knicks roster so intriguing.
With Anunoby back in the mix, New York has the personnel to tailor its starting five to the matchup, rather than forcing a rigid formula. That’s a luxury most teams don’t have.
Three Players, Three Legit Cases
Let’s start with Josh Hart. He’s the emotional engine of this team-a glue guy with a motor that never cools down.
Lately, he’s been more than just hustle and heart. He’s knocking down threes and defending multiple positions, making him a seamless fit in just about any lineup.
His ability to rebound, push the pace, and guard up or down gives the Knicks a ton of versatility.
Then there’s Deuce McBride, who’s been scorching from deep for nearly a month now. He gives the Knicks a five-out look that stretches defenses thin and opens up driving lanes for Brunson and Bridges.
But it’s not just the offense-McBride’s defense at the point of attack has been a game-changer. He takes pressure off Bridges and allows the Knicks to switch more aggressively on the perimeter.
And while Mitchell Robinson has slipped down the rotation due to injuries and some defensive inconsistency, his skill set still matters-especially in certain matchups. He’s a dominant offensive rebounder and a shot-blocking presence who can cover for Towns’ defensive limitations inside. Against teams with size, Robinson’s value spikes.
The Numbers Back It Up
What makes this even more interesting is that the numbers don’t point to a clear winner-which is a good thing. When you look at the Knicks’ net ratings with the core four plus each of these three options, it’s all positive:
- With Hart (85 possessions): +21.2
- With McBride (54 possessions): +14.8
- With Robinson (64 possessions): +52.9
Each of those lineups is scoring at an elite clip-north of 120 points per 100 possessions-and defending well, too. Yes, some of that success may be influenced by opponent shooting luck, especially with Hart and Robinson, but the takeaway is clear: all three combinations work.
Matchup-Based Lineups Are the Smart Play
Trying to pick one permanent starter out of this trio misses the bigger picture. The Knicks don’t need a fixed solution-they need to stay adaptable. That approach not only maximizes their roster depth, it also helps them gather valuable intel before the postseason.
Consider the variety of opponents they’ll face. Against teams like the Rockets or Thunder, who roll out dual-big lineups, Robinson’s size and rebounding become essential.
Against smaller, guard-heavy teams like the Sixers or Heat, McBride’s perimeter defense and spacing make him the better fit. And for teams like the Cavs or Bucks, who present a mix of size and perimeter talent, Hart’s versatility might be the best answer.
This isn’t indecision-it’s intentional. It’s about having the right tool for the job, depending on the night. And with OG back in the fold, the Knicks have the depth and the defensive backbone to toggle between different looks without losing their identity.
Optionality Is the Knicks’ Superpower
In a league where matchups often dictate outcomes, the ability to pivot is a competitive edge. The Knicks don’t need to crown a fifth starter. They need to stay fluid, keep opponents guessing, and lean into the depth that’s been quietly building all season.
So when Anunoby returns, don’t look for a definitive answer to who joins the starting five. Look for a rotation that morphs based on what the game demands. That’s not a sign of uncertainty-it’s a sign of a team built to win in April, May, and maybe even June.