The roster of the New York Knicks for the 2025/26 season is already complete: Favorites for the ring?

The New York Knicks have not stopped in recent weeks. After signing Jordan Clarkson following his release from Utah and acquiring Guerschon Yabusele earlier in the summer, the franchise quickly found itself in a serious salary cap issue. Nevertheless, this has not stopped them from continuing to strengthen the roster margins.

To New York came Landry Shamet and Malcolm Brogdon on training camp contracts, both hoping to secure a permanent spot for the season. They were joined by Garrison Mathews, Alex Len, and Matt Ryan under similar agreements, all in search of playing time. The team also finalized the signing of rookie Mohamed Diawara, a second-round pick, with a non-guaranteed contract, in addition to completing their two-way deals with Trey Jemison, Tosan Evbuomwan, and Kevin McCullar Jr.

With a strong core featuring Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, and Mitchell Robinson, among others, the front office has opted to surround them with role players capable of competing in the rotation. Diawara's presence, with his minimum salary aiding in financial adjustments, leaves the Knicks with two open spots on the 15-man roster. However, the rigidity of the second apron makes completing it practically unfeasible without making a trade. In that scenario, names like Miles McBride, Tyler Kolek, or Pacome Dadiet could come into play.

McBride is the most established of the trio. His performance in the playoffs, especially after a tough start against Detroit, has raised his stock as a defender and shooter on a very affordable contract. Kolek, on the other hand, had more minutes than Dadiet last season and showed intelligence in decision-making, although he still needs to improve his outside shooting. Dadiet played less, but with a height of 6'8", flashes of shooting, and four years younger than Kolek, he could be a more attractive asset for other franchises.

Players with a secured spot

The battle in the training camp for those spots is expected to be intense. Shamet is the favorite after leaving a good impression under Tom Thibodeau: a threat from the perimeter with constant defensive effort. The arrival of Mike Brown to the bench, emphasizing off-ball movement, seems tailored for profiles like his, as well as Mathews and Ryan.

Brogdon, due to his track record, is the standout in this group. Rookie of the Year in 2017, Sixth Man of the Year in 2023, and coming off a historic season with 50/40/90 shooting percentages, he brings notable efficiency and a 38.8% three-point shooting throughout his career. His ability to play as a point guard or shooting guard and support Brunson could address one of the most evident deficiencies from last season: the lack of a reliable second playmaker. However, his injury history, only 166 games in four seasons, raises doubts about whether taking the risk is worth it.

The Knicks have indeed focused this summer on bolstering their perimeter with offensive profiles. This will require Brown to be meticulous in defense. One clear approach would be to start with Mitchell Robinson, whose presence in the paint could offset exterior weaknesses. Simultaneously, placing McBride in the starting lineup alongside Bridges and Anunoby would sustain an elite defensive perimeter without sacrificing outside shooting.

If the coach leans towards a two-big lineup, the puzzle would shift. Brown is familiar with Len from their time in Sacramento, and Jemison, despite not having the same size, offers an interesting future projection. The preseason will be crucial in putting all these pieces in place and determining whether New York can strike the necessary balance between their expanding offensive arsenal and a defense that will be paramount in their aspirations.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La plantilla de los New York Knicks para la temporada 2025/26 ya está completa: ¿Favoritos al anillo?