Knicks Need Development From These Players to Fill Roster

To simplify the Knicks’ offseason goals, they desperately need more depth beyond their top seven players. Unless Rose takes a big swing on a star trade like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Jaren Jackson Jr., they’ll likely return the same core guys. Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, Miles McBride, and Mitchell Robinson brought NYK to within two wins of the Finals. They’ll likely be the backbone of that pursuit once again.

New York Needs an 8th and 9th Man

Unfortunately, in modern basketball, it doesn’t seem like seven guys are quite enough to win a title. With the increased pace of play and wear and tear that it puts on players’ bodies, depth has won out in the playoffs. Oklahoma City and Indiana are two of the deeper teams in the league. Last year’s Celtics squad went ten deep with competent NBA players. Although they stayed remarkably healthy in 2024-25 (something they can’t count on in the future), the Knicks appeared tired towards the end of their series with the deeper Pacers.

To fix this issue, the Knicks will need to add an eighth and ninth man to their rotation. As I spelled out before, they have limited financial resources to do so. The hope is to use the remaining cap space on a cheaper veteran who can give quality minutes off the bench. Landry Shamet, Cameron Payne, Delon Wright, and Precious Achiuwa could all feasibly be back, but only Shamet and Wright seem to fit this roster. Short of that, New York’s new coach will likely have to look inwards for depth options.

3 Sophomores Must Step Up

The answer to NY’s depth problem will hopefully be solved in large part by three rookies from this past year. Pacome Dadiet (25th pick), Tyler Kolek (34th), and Ariel Hukporti (58th) all played small roles on the 2024-25 team. Each showed flashes of NBA readiness in short stints. Dadiet is the rawest of the three at the ripe age of 19 years old (turns 20 on July 27). However, he’s brimming with potential due to his 6-foot-7 frame, easy athleticism, and smooth jumper. Dadiet is also the least likely to contribute next season.

As for Kolek and Hukporti, they each have a legitimate chance to crack the rotation in 2025-26. Kolek (24 years old) played 7.2 MPG across 41 outings, while Hukporti (23) logged 8.7 MPG in 25 games. Both played a small role, but were featured players on several nights that NY struggled with injuries. Kolek, a true playmaking point guard, is stuck behind Brunson, McBride, and likely another guard from free agency. I’d be shocked if Rose allows 2025-26 to begin with Kolek as the third point guard, but it’s certainly possible.

However, Hukporti is the guy who has the best chance for a big role on next year’s team. He flashed serious talent in his short stints and should be third in NY’s center rotation, barring a big move. Hukporti is an outstanding athlete who showcased rim protection and toughness as a rookie. He also proved he can make plays as a screener and in the short roll as a playmaker.

NY still needs to hire a coach , and who knows what their philosophy on bench players will be. However, unlike Tom Thibodeau, they may be forced to develop their young players. It’s a risk, but this era of salary cap basketball doesn’t offer much of an alternative.