The Knicks made key moves in the 2025 NBA offseason, but did they do enough? A missing backup for Karl-Anthony Towns could haunt them in the playoffs.
Heading into the 2025–26 NBA season, the New York Knicks remain a contender—thanks in part to misfortunes hitting rival teams like the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers. However, with the Cleveland Cavaliers still healthy and dangerous, the question remains: Did the Knicks do enough this offseason to compete at the highest level?
The core is intact. Jalen Brunson continues to lead at point guard, with Mikal Bridges at shooting guard. Josh Hart and OG Anunoby provide defensive stability on the wings, while Karl-Anthony Towns anchors the interior. The Knicks added Guerschon Yabusele for frontcourt depth and Jordan Clarkson to inject scoring off the bench, with Miles McBride offering valuable guard minutes.
Still, one glaring issue remains: New York didn’t secure a reliable backup for Towns.
This could become a major problem, especially with Mike Brown now at the helm and expected to implement a faster-paced offense. Without a true reserve center who complements this system, the Knicks could again find themselves exposed in the postseason—just as they were in their 2025 Eastern Conference Finals loss.
While the front office might still address this weakness before the trade deadline, for now, the team enters the new season vulnerable. If Towns were to miss time, the Knicks would be forced to overextend their current depth or play small ball—neither of which is an ideal scenario for a team with title aspirations.
