After nearly reaching the NBA Finals last season, the New York Knicks are ready for a major shake-up. The era of what-ifs is over. Mike Brown has a clear vision for this roster, and every move will matter. Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson will face a challenge to his reputation for hogging the ball as he assumes a more defined role. Both big and subtle decisions will redefine the Knicks as they chase success in the 2025-26 NBA season.

A team that went 0-10 against the top three teams in the regular season, yet made its way to the ECF, speaks volumes about its core. So who knows what the future holds? But Coach Brown surely knows what Brunson’s future with the team looks like.

Sharing his vision on the Knicks Media Day on Tuesday, the head coach commended JB for being a versatile player. However, he has a suggestion. Brown stated, “The biggest thing that I want to do for him is try to get him, as well as everybody else, easy shots. One of the easiest shots in the game of basketball is a spray three. I’m a big proponent of touching the paint and spraying that basketball for a catch-and-shoot three.” 

He continued, “Within what we do, we’re going to try to get him a lot of those situations. On top of that, if you touch the paint, whether on a dribble drive or a cut. When you come out of the paint, we want you to keep moving. The little bit that we’ve seen so far in Jalen during these optional workouts shows he seems like he’s embraced it.”

Mike Brown also added, “You have to be in great condition to play this way, but he seems like he’s embraced it. I’m looking forward to seeing if we can continue to find ways, especially when we start playing games, to get him some catch-and-shoot looks. The ball will be in his hands, especially down the stretch, and making the game easier throughout the course of the game is going to be a big thing.” 

Now, let’s understand the new head coach’s demand. Jalen Brunson thrives in Mike Brown’s system, turning paint touches into scoring opportunities. Whether on a dribble drive or a cut, he can quickly kick the ball out for a catch-and-shoot three. The spray three forces defenses to react instantly. Brown’s fast, spaced offense exploits this, creating open perimeter looks while keeping the floor balanced. Efficiency, rhythm, and constant movement make Brunson a nightmare to defend. He averages 1.6 threes per game in his career.

Spray threes reward vision, conditioning, and relentless off-ball motion. They maintain offensive flow, generate points for teammates, and force defenders to stay alert. Their biggest weakness last season was taking too few threes — they ranked 27th in the NBA in 3-point volume. Last year’s bench was one of the least productive in the league, especially in shooting. This offseason, they added Guerschon Yabusele and Jordan Clarkson on guaranteed deals, plus Landry Shamet, Malcolm Brogdon, and Garrison Mathews on non-guaranteed contracts.

All of these players are capable high-volume 3-point shooters and should boost spacing immediately. In tight games, they open lanes and keep the offense dynamic. Brunson combines ball-handling with teamwork to maximize spacing and efficiency. Under Brown, the spray three is a core weapon, blending pace, strategy, and precision while redefining how the Knicks attack the basket.

Meanwhile, eyes turn to how Mike Brown plans to mold this roster. Expect insights on pace, spacing, and defensive intensity. There are hints of calculated aggression, smart movement, and team chemistry taking center stage. The full vision will unfold later, revealing how every decision could reshape the Knicks’ identity this season.

Mike Brown clears his ambition for the New York Knicks amidst Jalen Brunson plans

“One thing that we want to make sure we do offensively is play fast with the floor spaced, and not just in the full court, but in a half-court too, with a certain cadence. Defensively, we want to be physical,” Mike Brown told the media. “We want people to feel us, and we want to do so without fouling. Those are two things at the forefront of what I’d like to get accomplished early on with this team.”

Therefore, Brown’s vision for the New York Knicks is clear: a blend of speed, spacing, and physicality. He aims to implement a fast-paced offense with well-spaced floor dynamics, not only in transition but also in the half-court, building on a 118.5 offensive rating from 2024-25. Defensively, he emphasizes physical play that makes opponents feel his team’s presence. All while maintaining discipline to avoid fouls, improving from a 114.3 defensive rating from last season.

This also appears to be clear with respect to their offseason moves. Yabusele (49% 3-point rate) and Clarkson (47%) both attempt threes at a higher clip than any current Knicks starter. The only Knick with a higher 3-point attempt rate last season was Miles McBride (57%), who may even earn a starting role. Even a modest increase in threes from the starters, combined with the bench’s new spacing weapons, should make the Knicks’ offense more sustainable and less predictable in big games.

The Knicks are ready to turn heads and raise the stakes. Every pass, cut, and sprint will matter under Mike Brown’s vision of speed, spacing, and physicality. Jalen Brunson will command the floor, turning paint touches into chaos for defenders. With precision, rhythm, and energy fueling every possession, this Knicks squad is set to challenge and redefine competition in the 2025 26 season.