The Knicks' Post-Brunson Offensive Woes: A Persistent Issue?

Henrik Larsen

4 min read

Post on May 16, 2025

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Brunson's On-Court Impact: The Gravity Effect

Jalen Brunson's influence on the Knicks' offense is undeniable. His ability to create his own shot and facilitate for teammates generates a "gravity" effect, drawing defensive attention and creating scoring opportunities for others. When Brunson is on the court, the ball movement is crisp, the three-point percentage noticeably higher, and players like Julius Randle and RJ Barrett benefit from more open looks.

But when Brunson's performance dips or he's absent due to injury or rest, the ripple effect is significant. The Knicks' offensive flow becomes stagnant. Games against the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics, for example, highlighted this vulnerability, with the Knicks struggling to generate consistent scoring chances without Brunson's orchestration.

• Reduced ball movement without Brunson: The offense becomes predictable and relies heavily on individual heroics.
• Increased reliance on isolation plays: This leads to lower efficiency and increased turnovers.
• Lower assist numbers from other players: Brunson's absence reduces the opportunities for secondary playmakers to shine.
• Decrease in three-point shooting percentage: The space created by Brunson is severely missed.
• Impact on players like Randle and Barrett: Their scoring output and overall effectiveness decrease significantly.

Offensive Scheme Limitations Without Brunson

The Knicks' offensive system, while effective with Brunson at the helm, shows significant cracks when he's not performing optimally. The team's current strategy relies heavily on Brunson's specific skills: his pick-and-roll proficiency, his ability to create separation off the dribble, and his knack for finding open teammates.

Without Brunson's consistent playmaking, the Knicks lack a clear secondary ball-handler who can effectively run the offense. This dependence on individual brilliance rather than team synergy leads to predictable offensive possessions and poor shot selection.

• Lack of a clear secondary playmaker: This is the most glaring weakness.
• Reliance on individual brilliance rather than team synergy: The offense becomes disjointed and inefficient.
• Ineffective off-ball movement: Players struggle to find open spaces and create scoring opportunities.
• Limited offensive sets designed for players other than Brunson: The offense needs more diverse options.
• Need for adjustments to the offensive strategy: The current system needs adjustments to account for Brunson's absence.

Role Player Contributions: Stepping Up or Falling Short?

The Knicks' supporting cast needs to elevate their game when Brunson's production dips. A closer examination of individual player statistics in games with and without Brunson reveals a significant drop in overall efficiency across several players. While some players like Immanuel Quickley have shown flashes of brilliance, the team's bench production remains inconsistent.

• Individual player statistics comparison (Brunson present vs. absent): A clear disparity shows a need for improvement.
• Analysis of player roles and responsibilities: Defining clear roles is essential for optimal performance.
• Evaluation of potential for improvement from role players: Increased focus on individual player development is key.
• Need for increased scoring and playmaking from bench: The bench needs to contribute more consistently.

Potential Solutions and Future Outlook

Addressing the Knicks' post-Brunson offensive woes requires a multi-pronged approach. The team needs to explore various strategies to mitigate their reliance on a single player.

• Acquiring a secondary ball-handler: This is the most crucial offseason move.
• Improving offensive sets to better utilize other players: Designing plays that don't rely solely on Brunson is vital.
• Focusing on player development to improve overall offensive skills: Improving the team's overall skillset is necessary.
• Increased focus on team training during the off-season: Dedicated work on offensive flow and synergy is required.

Conclusion: Addressing the Knicks' Post-Brunson Offensive Woes

The Knicks' success hinges significantly on Jalen Brunson's performance. However, the team's vulnerability when Brunson's effectiveness wanes or when he is absent is a serious concern. The lack of a consistent secondary playmaker, limited offensive sets beyond Brunson-centric plays, and inconsistent bench production are major hurdles. Addressing these weaknesses through strategic offseason moves, adjusting the offensive system, and focusing on player development is crucial for ensuring consistent offensive production and achieving sustained success. Let's continue to monitor the Knicks' post-Brunson offensive woes and discuss the long-term solutions needed in the comments below. What are your predictions for the Knicks' offensive strategy next season?