New-Look Knicks: Analyzing New York's Uneven Start Under Mike Brown

The New York Knicks' 4-3 start to the 2025-26 season represents more than just a record—it's a philosophical departure from the Tom Thibodeau era that defined the franchise's recent identity. Under new coach Mike Brown, the Knicks are navigating significant stylistic changes while maintaining championship aspirations in an Eastern Conference that appears wide open.

Systematic Changes Under Mike Brown

The transition from Thibodeau's rigorous, defense-first approach to Brown's ball-movement philosophy has been the defining storyline of New York's early season. According to ESPN's NBA insiders, the acclimation process has created "choppy seas" as players adjust to new roles and responsibilities. Brown's system emphasizes faster pace and increased ball movement, though the Knicks currently rank in the bottom-10 for pace through seven games, indicating the transition remains ongoing.

Player Adjustments and Challenges

Karl-Anthony Towns, coming off an All-NBA first season under Thibodeau, has struggled to find his footing in Brown's offense. The big man is shooting a career-low 40.8% from the field and admitted before the season that he didn't yet understand his role in the new system. Meanwhile, Josh Hart—once synonymous with Thibodeau's demanding approach—has adjusted to a full-time bench role while managing a nerve issue in his shooting hand.

Statistical Transformation

The most dramatic change has been New York's shot distribution. The Knicks ranked 28th in three-point attempt rate last season but now sit fifth-highest, with 48% of their shots coming from beyond the arc. This represents a fundamental shift in offensive philosophy, though the team's three-point percentage remains similar to last season at 36.5%. Defensively, the Knicks have allowed the fourth-highest three-point attempt rate, with opponents making 39.6% of their attempts from deep.

Eastern Conference Context

Despite early struggles, the Knicks remain positioned as contenders in an Eastern Conference without a dominant team. Their season-opening victory over Cleveland signaled potential, especially considering they went 0-8 against the East's top teams last season before their playoff run. As one Western Conference scout noted to ESPN, "They'll get by, and win a bunch of games because of talent," suggesting the early drama might be more about adjustment than long-term concern.

The Knicks' early season represents a work in progress rather than a cause for alarm. With significant roster and coaching changes, some growing pains were inevitable. The team's talent level and the Eastern Conference's relative weakness provide time for Brown to implement his system fully. As players become more comfortable with their roles and the shooting variance normalizes, the Knicks have the foundation to remain among the East's top contenders despite their uneven start.