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Mike Brown Reveals Unexpected Role Model For New-Look Knicks in 2025

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zach Kaplan | Last updated Oct 18, 2025 2:45 PM ET

The Knicks are running back the exact core that earned a berth to the Eastern Conference finals last season, but with a new-look offense led by revered coach Mike Brown and depth signings of Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele.

Brown promises to add a 'pace-and-space' approach to the Knicks that will likely take more of the burden off of Jalen Brunson and look to optimize the skill sets of Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby on offense.

Brown, unlike his predecessor Tom Thibodeau, will likely draw from his bench at a high clip. Clarkson, Miles McBride, Landry Shamet, Pacome Dadiet and Ariel Hukporti represent potential beneficiaries of this strategy.

After the Knicks wrapped up their preseason with a 113-108 win over the Charlotte Hornets, Brown revealed that a surprising role model is driving the team's play-hard culture in 2025.

New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown and center/forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) John Jones-Imagn Images

Brown told the media that a clip from current Pittsburgh Steelers, and former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf has been on repeat as he looks to enforce the kind of mindset he wants from his new team.

The play in question is one from 2020, when a pass intended for Metcalf from Russell Wilson was intercepted by Cardinals safety Budda Baker in what looked to be an almost-certain pick-six, but in a viral moment, the bulky Metcalf caught up to the speedy Baker in a 80-yard footrace to thwart a potential turnover score.

Brown said that his usage of the play is not random; he wants the team to emulate Metcalf's tenacity in not giving up on the play, and to not give up on a play ever, even after a turnover.

The Knicks' mentality was a central driver in their success over the past few years, but the Indiana Pacers dominated on both sides of the court in a way that Brown surely doesn't want to repeat.

The admission from the Knicks' new coach should be fuel for Knicks fans hoping to see orange and blue skies take over the league this season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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