Knicks' Post-Brunson Offensive Issues: Long-Term Solutions Needed

Henrik Larsen

5 min read

Post on May 17, 2025

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The Brunson Dependency

The Knicks' offensive rating takes a significant hit when Brunson rests, highlighting an over-reliance on a single player for creation and scoring. This "Brunson dependency" is a major concern that needs immediate attention.

Offensive Scoring Drought without Brunson

The absence of Brunson exposes several weaknesses in the Knicks' offensive arsenal:

• Lack of secondary ball-handlers: The team lacks players capable of consistently creating high-quality scoring opportunities for themselves and teammates when Brunson is on the bench. This results in stagnant possessions and predictable offensive sets.
• Reduced floor spacing: When Brunson sits, floor spacing often suffers, leading to congested driving lanes and more difficult shots. This makes it harder for other players to effectively operate.
• Struggle to generate high-quality scoring opportunities: Without Brunson's playmaking, the Knicks struggle to generate easy baskets, relying too heavily on contested shots and inefficient isolation plays.
• Increased reliance on isolation plays: The absence of a reliable secondary ball-handler forces the Knicks to rely more on individual brilliance, which often leads to lower efficiency and turnovers.

Addressing the Scoring Void

To mitigate the Brunson dependency, the Knicks must develop alternative offensive strategies:

• Invest in player development: Focusing on improving the ball-handling, decision-making, and scoring skills of role players like Immanuel Quickley and Quentin Grimes is crucial. This development needs to be a year-round priority.
• Explore different offensive schemes: The coaching staff needs to implement offensive systems that are less reliant on one player and allow for more balanced scoring contributions.
• Consider acquiring players with proven playmaking abilities: Acquiring a player who can consistently create offense even without Brunson on the court would significantly reduce the offensive drop-off. Targeting players with strong playmaking skills in free agency or through trades should be a priority.

Shooting and Spacing Concerns

Beyond the playmaking issues, the Knicks face significant challenges with shooting and spacing, particularly when Brunson isn't on the floor.

Inconsistent Three-Point Shooting

The Knicks' three-point shooting consistency is a major concern, directly impacting offensive flow, especially in Brunson's absence:

• Need for more consistent three-point shooters: The team needs more reliable perimeter threats beyond RJ Barrett to keep defenses honest and create space for drives.
• Improve offensive movement and off-ball screens: Better ball movement and effective off-ball screens are vital to generate open looks from beyond the arc.
• Consider roster changes: Adding players with proven three-point shooting ability through free agency, the draft, or trades could dramatically improve the team's offensive efficiency.

Lack of Floor Spacing

Without adequate floor spacing, the Knicks' offense becomes predictable and inefficient:

• Develop more versatile offensive players: Players who can both shoot consistently and attack the basket effectively are needed to create spacing and keep the defense guessing.
• Implement offensive strategies to utilize cutting and off-ball movement: More cutting and off-ball movement would create opportunities for easy baskets and open up driving lanes for Brunson and other players.
• Recruit players that consistently space the floor: Targeting players known for their floor-spacing ability during the off-season is essential to address this long-standing issue.

Offensive Play-Calling and Strategy

The Knicks' offensive play-calling and strategy also contribute to their post-Brunson offensive woes.

Offensive Stagnation in Brunson's Absence

When Brunson is on the bench, the Knicks' offense often becomes stagnant and predictable:

• Implement more versatile offensive plays: The coaching staff needs to develop a wider array of offensive plays that can be run effectively with different personnel on the court.
• Develop quick-hitting plays to exploit mismatches: Utilizing quick-hitting plays that capitalize on specific matchups can improve the team's offensive efficiency.
• Coaches should explore different offensive sets: Varying offensive sets and utilizing more motion offense will keep opponents guessing and create more scoring opportunities.

Adapting Offensive Schemes

The Knicks need flexibility in their offensive approach to compensate for Brunson's absence:

• Increase the usage of pick-and-roll plays with other ball-handlers: Relying more on pick-and-roll plays with players like Quickley and Grimes can generate scoring opportunities and keep the offense moving.
• Utilize more off-ball screens: Increased use of off-ball screens will create open looks for shooters and drive-and-kick opportunities.
• Encourage more player movement: Encouraging more player movement and off-ball action will create better spacing and scoring opportunities.

Conclusion

The Knicks' offensive success hinges on addressing their reliance on Jalen Brunson. Improving the team's three-point shooting, enhancing overall floor spacing, and developing more versatile offensive players are crucial for long-term stability. By proactively implementing the suggested strategies – including investing in player development, strategic roster adjustments, and flexible offensive play-calling – the Knicks can overcome their post-Brunson offensive issues and build a more consistent and potent attack. Solving these Knicks' post-Brunson offensive issues requires a multi-faceted approach, encompassing player development, strategic acquisitions, and improved coaching strategies. Stay tuned for more insights on the Knicks' progress in addressing these crucial offensive challenges!