Knicks Coach Not Rushing Lineup Changes Despite Early Struggles

Brown says he's open to changes but is sticking with current starting five for now

Apr. 7, 2026 at 5:23am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Knicks basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of orange, blue, and white representing the players and action on the court.The Knicks' starting lineup has struggled at times, but coach Mike Brown is hesitant to make changes as the playoffs approach.NYC Today

New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown acknowledged that his coaching staff has discussed potential changes to the team's starting lineup, but he said he is not close to making any moves and anticipates sticking with the current lineup for the playoffs. Brown noted that 'there's always going to be chatter' about lineup changes, but he doesn't feel the need to act on it right now despite the starting unit's struggles in the first quarter.

Why it matters

The Knicks' current starting lineup of Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns has struggled at times, particularly in the first quarter. However, Brown seems hesitant to disrupt the rotation with the playoffs approaching, preferring to maintain continuity with his likely nine-man playoff rotation.

The details

Brown said his staff had discussed potentially inserting Landry Shamet into the starting lineup, but he isn't close to making that change. Earlier this season, Brown did alter his starting lineup, replacing Mitchell Robinson with Josh Hart. The current starting five has the third-most minutes together in the NBA but has a net rating of just plus-0.7, including a minus-8.1 net rating in the first quarter. However, the group built a three-point lead before the first substitution on Monday and closed out the win together with a clutch run down the stretch.

  • On April 6, 2026, the Knicks defeated the Hawks 108-105.
  • Earlier this season, Brown replaced Mitchell Robinson with Josh Hart in the starting lineup.

The players

Mike Brown

The head coach of the New York Knicks who is hesitant to make changes to the starting lineup despite some early struggles.

Landry Shamet

A Knicks player who has been discussed as a potential replacement in the starting lineup.

Jalen Brunson

The starting point guard for the Knicks.

Mikal Bridges

A starting forward for the Knicks.

Josh Hart

A starting forward for the Knicks who was previously inserted into the starting lineup earlier this season.

OG Anunoby

A starting forward for the Knicks.

Karl-Anthony Towns

The starting center for the Knicks who is dealing with a right elbow impingement.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'I don't believe in never ever. But right now we're going to start that five and that's how I foresee it. If I feel I need to make a change at any time, I'll make a change. But I don't feel that way right now.'”

— Mike Brown, Knicks Head Coach

“'I'm good. I'm chilling. I'm ready for my moment. I'm ready for my name to get called whenever it is. … So just whenever it's Jose's time, whenever that time is, I'm ready.'”

— Jose Alvarado, Knicks Player

“'It is what it is at this point.'”

— Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks Player

What’s next

The Knicks will continue to evaluate their starting lineup as they prepare for the playoffs, but coach Mike Brown seems inclined to stick with the current group for now.

The takeaway

Despite some early struggles, the Knicks' starting lineup has shown the ability to close out games effectively. Coach Brown appears focused on maintaining continuity with his core rotation as the playoffs approach, rather than making drastic changes that could disrupt the team's chemistry and rhythm.