Mike Brown has been hired by the New York Knicks to replace Tom Thibodeau and these two coaches have different coaching philosophies. New beginnings means new hope. It may mean massive changes, too.
Jalen Brunson is at the center of questions the Knicks coaching staff have to answer before the opening week. How much touches will get this time after being ball dominant in the past seasons? He was effective under Thibodeau but will have the same role under Brown?
NBA great Tracy McGrady thinks Brunson’s fit is something to watch out for.
“The only question mark I have for the Knicks. I think they are going to be very good,” the seven-time All-Star during an appearance for an NBC event.
“But the only question mark I have is Jalen Brunson has been on the ball all the time. Mike Brown comes from a pedigree of ball movement, player movement. So it’s going to be interesting when they implement this new offensive system to see if he’s on the ball or off the ball, and how he reacts to that.”
It’s a huge adjustment probably on Brunson. They just finished their third pre-season game, against the Minnesota Timberwolves. They won it via overtime but there was no play called the entire game.
Mike Brown says the Knicks played this entire game without a single play call, just reading the opponent and reacting accordingly. Says he wants the team to learn to play off of instinct before they begin running sets.
— Kristian Winfield (@Krisplashed) October 10, 2025
Brunson played the most minutes at 27 and scored 11 points.
Mike Brown explains lack of Brunson plays
There’s still around two weeks to go before the opening and according to Mike Brown, the system they are employing right now is more about them growing together. He also likes what’s he’s seeing from his star.
“I haven’t really let Jalen go yet, but he’s trying to do what we’re asking him to do, so everybody’s on the same page and growing together,” Brown told reporters.
“But he is definitely getting a feel for it”
Brunson himself is not worried. He is being patient as he believes it is needed to get there.
Jalen Brunson on getting a feel for the Knicks’ new offense:
“What we’re working on right now is the basis of our offense and everything. It’s going to take time. It’s not always going to be perfect but it’s all about how we continue to trust it and learn it” pic.twitter.com/pA61yYWKxZ
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) October 10, 2025
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