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Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks was named a Top 10 player in the NBA heading into the new season.

This offseason, the New York Knicks didn’t revamp their roster, although they are expected to make some massive changes. They brought in Malcolm Brogdon, Jordan Clarkson, and Guerschon Yabusele as depth pieces. The Knicks‘ biggest addition, however, was hiring Mike Brown as their new head coach.

Under Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks were criticized for their lack of bench minutes, and fatigue quickly mounted during their playoff runs. After losing in the Eastern Conference Finals last season, Thibodeau was dismissed, and Brown came in.

By allowing the bench to play a bigger role, the stars, especially Jalen Brunson, can catch a breather, although limiting Brunson’s role is not new to New York.

GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 18: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks is guarded by Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on March 18, 2024 in San Francisco, California.

Knicks Will Ask Jalen Brunson to Take a Step Back

Last season, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby all ranked in the top five in minutes played. Brunson came in at 14th overall, still a massive contributor.

The Knicks have scorers, shooters, and playmakers in Anunoby, Bridges, and Karl-Anthony Towns, although Brunson is the engine of the offense. In order to preserve their best player for when it matters, New York is asking him to do less, especially in the regular season.

“Mike Brown is really focusing on the offense,” reported ESPN’s Brian Windhorst on October 1. “They really want to have a more dynamic offense this year that doesn’t rely as much on Jalen Brunson. That is not anything against Brunson. They just want to play for a long season. And look, part of the reason he got this job was that he told the Knicks front office he was going to play his bench more. He said, ‘Get me more bench depth. I will play that bench.’ That is what they intend to do.”

When he played for the Toronto Raptors, Anunoby showcased an ability to get a bucket without an elite point guard. With the Brooklyn Nets, Bridges showed the same talents, and New York should rely on those stars to create for themselves.

Limiting Brunson Is Not New to Knicks

While bringing in Brown to replace Thibodeau was seen as a move of salvation for Brunson, that’s not entirely the case.

In the 2023-24 season, Bruson boasted a usage rate of 32.5. Last season, that number dropped to 29.4. On top of that, he took three fewer shots per game last season despite playing the same number of minutes.

Even Thibodeau knew he needed to preserve Brunson.

Brown, meanwhile, is expected to take things to the next level. Brogdon and Clarkson can run the offense off the bench and give Brunson extended breaks when needed, something he never really got after signing with the Knicks. However, an effort was made under Thibodeau.

Brown’s promise of using his bench in New York is well and good, although Thibs leaned on his first unit for a reason: it’s full of quality players, and Brunson gets the most out of them. While tinkering with lineups, the Knicks could very easily skid, and Brown could revert to the sins that got Thibodeau fired in the first place.