The New York Knicks are riding a four-game win streak, and it’s not hard to see why. With OG Anunoby and Landry Shamet sidelined by injuries, head coach Tom Thibodeau has been forced to shake up the rotation-and the results have been eye-opening.
Miles McBride and Josh Hart have stepped into the starting lineup, while Mitchell Robinson has shifted to the bench. The response?
A perfect 4-0 record since the change.
Now the Knicks find themselves in a bit of a good problem. Anunoby will eventually return.
Shamet, too. And when they do, someone’s going to have to give up their starting role.
The question is: who?
McBride and Hart: Two Different Paths, One Impact
Let’s start with Josh Hart. Since moving into the starting five, he’s been doing a little bit of everything-and a lot of it.
Over the last stretch, Hart is averaging 17.0 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 7.0 assists. That’s not just stat-stuffing; that’s game-changing.
He’s crashing the glass like a power forward, facilitating like a secondary ball handler, and finally finding some rhythm with his jumper. Hart’s always been known for his hustle, but now he’s pairing that motor with real offensive production.
Then there’s Miles McBride. The third-year guard has stepped in and looked like he belongs.
He’s averaging 15.0 points in his seven starts this season and hitting 44.2% from beyond the arc. That kind of shooting opens up the floor in a big way, especially when you’ve got a primary creator like Jalen Brunson and a versatile scorer like Karl-Anthony Towns on the floor.
But McBride’s value doesn’t stop at the arc-he’s a defensive pest, bringing relentless ball pressure and making life miserable for opposing guards. His fit next to Mikal Bridges on the perimeter gives the Knicks a defensive edge that’s tough to replicate.
The Rotation Crunch Is Coming
Eventually, Anunoby will be back. And when he is, he’s a lock to return to the starting five.
That’s non-negotiable. His two-way presence is too important to this team’s identity.
So the Knicks will have to decide who steps aside-Hart or McBride?
There’s also Mitchell Robinson to consider. He’s been coming off the bench recently, but when fully healthy, he’s one of the league’s best interior defenders and a dominant offensive rebounder.
Does he reclaim his spot in the starting unit? And where does that leave the rest of the rotation when Shamet is back in the mix?
These are the kinds of decisions coaches love and hate at the same time. On one hand, you’ve got depth and versatility. On the other, you’ve got to manage minutes, egos, and chemistry.
Two Players, Two Styles, One Goal
What makes this such a compelling situation is that Hart and McBride bring such different strengths to the table. Hart’s rebounding, toughness, and connective play give the Knicks a gritty, physical edge.
McBride’s shooting and on-ball defense stretch the floor and tighten the screws on opposing guards. They’re not just filling in-they’re elevating the team in their own ways.
And perhaps most importantly, both players have shown they can thrive alongside the Knicks’ core of Brunson, Bridges, and Towns. That kind of lineup flexibility is invaluable over the course of a long season, especially when the postseason grind begins.
So yes, a decision is coming. But it’s not a crisis-it’s a luxury. The Knicks have found themselves with a surplus of capable starters, and no matter how the rotation shakes out, they’re in a better place because of it.