Knicks Star Predicted to Take Major Step Back Next Season

The New York Knicks are slated to have another great season. They are hoping that the injury bug in the Eastern Conference will allow them to finally return to the NBA Finals. Mike Shearer of HoopsHype wrote about a bold Knicks prediction that could put that goal in jeopardy. 

Shearer listed Jalen Brunson as one of his “Six players who may take a step back in 2025-26.” 

“Brunson should rest a little more often with Tom Thibodeau out of the picture (although Mike Brown also tends to ride his best horses hard, so perhaps not). But minutes aren’t the real driver for Brunson’s inclusion on this list. Thibodeau’s offense all too often defaulted to pressing the “Jalen Brunson, do something” button. Brown prefers a more egalitarian, Golden State-inspired movement system, something that will aim to involve players like Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and especially Karl-Anthony Towns more often - likely at Brunson’s expense.

De’Aaron Fox’s usage rates under Brown weren’t all that different from Brunson’s, truthfully, but the Kings also had far less supporting offensive talent during the Brown era. Brunson’s still-tremendous box score stats already took a slight dip with the arrival of Towns and Bridges last season. I’d expect another modest downturn this year.

That can only be a good thing, in my opinion. A more varied offensive attack is exactly what the Knicks are hoping for after replacing Thibodeau despite an Eastern Conference Finals appearance.”

This isn’t a very damning prediction. Even if Brunson takes a step back statistically, getting the rest of the Knicks' supporting cast involved will surely benefit the team. If Brunson doesn’t have to shoulder such a big regular-season load, he can be healthy and ready for a deep playoff run. Something the Knicks desperately need.