Knicks' Offensive Woes: How Brunson's Return Might Not Solve Everything

Laila Abdi

4 min read

Post on May 16, 2025

4.6

Share

Beyond Brunson: Systemic Offensive Issues Plaguing the Knicks

The Knicks' offensive problems extend far beyond player absences. While injuries undoubtedly impact any team, the underlying issues within the Knicks' offensive strategy are significant and require a deeper look. The team's struggles are rooted in several key areas:

• Poor shot selection and efficiency: The Knicks have frequently settled for contested jump shots, leading to a low field goal percentage and overall offensive inefficiency. Their three-point shooting percentage has also been inconsistent, further hindering their scoring potential. Improving shot selection and emphasizing higher-percentage shots are crucial for improving the Knicks offense.

• Lack of consistent floor spacing: The Knicks haven't always had the ideal floor spacing to maximize their offensive possessions. A lack of consistent three-point threats beyond the arc creates congestion in the paint, limiting driving lanes and making it difficult for players to operate effectively. This directly impacts offensive efficiency and scoring opportunities.

• Predictable offensive sets: Opponents have often been able to anticipate the Knicks' offensive plays, leading to easy defensive stops. A more versatile and unpredictable offensive approach is necessary to keep defenses guessing and create better scoring opportunities. This requires more creativity and adaptability from the coaching staff and players.

• Limited playmaking beyond Brunson: While Jalen Brunson is a talented playmaker, the Knicks lack a consistent secondary ball-handler to create scoring chances when Brunson is under pressure or off the court. This over-reliance on one player creates vulnerabilities in their offensive system and leaves them susceptible to defensive schemes designed to isolate Brunson. Improving this area is vital for the Knicks' offensive success.

Statistics bear this out. For example, in the first 15 games, the Knicks’ field goal percentage often hovered below the league average, and their three-point shooting lagged behind many playoff contenders. Assist numbers, while fluctuating, haven't always reflected the fluid offensive movement needed for consistent scoring. The lack of consistent playmaking outside of Brunson further highlights this systemic issue impacting the Knicks offense.

Brunson's Impact: A Much-Needed Boost, But Limitations Exist

Jalen Brunson is undoubtedly a crucial component of the Knicks' offense. His scoring ability, playmaking instincts, and leadership on the court are invaluable. Brunson's presence significantly elevates the Knicks' offensive potential. His ability to create his own shot, find open teammates, and dictate the pace of the game are major assets that are already missed in his absence. Keywords like "Knicks point guard," "scoring," and "playmaking" directly relate to his undeniable impact.

However, relying solely on Brunson presents significant limitations:

• Increased defensive attention on Brunson: Opponents will focus heavily on Brunson, double-teaming him and making it difficult for him to operate effectively. This requires other players to step up and create their own scoring chances.

• Potential for offensive stagnation if other players don't step up: If supporting players fail to contribute offensively, the Knicks’ offense becomes overly reliant on Brunson, making them vulnerable to defensive schemes designed to shut him down.

• Brunson's health and fatigue as a factor: Even a healthy Brunson can experience fatigue if he carries the offensive load single-handedly. This is a risk that must be mitigated by improving the offensive capabilities of the supporting cast.

Needed Improvements: Addressing Systemic Flaws for Long-Term Success

To truly elevate the Knicks' offense, several key improvements are necessary:

• Improved player development and coaching strategies: The Knicks need to focus on developing players' skills in areas like three-point shooting, off-ball movement, and decision-making. This involves targeted training, coaching adjustments and strategic development of plays, to address the current flaws in their offensive approach.

• Acquiring players with specific skills to address weaknesses: The Knicks might need to acquire players who excel in areas where they currently lack depth, such as consistent three-point shooting and versatile playmaking. This could involve strategic off-season moves to bolster their roster.

• Implementing more versatile offensive schemes: The Knicks need to implement a more diverse and unpredictable offensive approach to keep defenses guessing. This might involve incorporating more motion offenses, pick-and-roll variations, and other plays designed to exploit defensive weaknesses. This will improve overall offensive fluidity.

Conclusion:

While Jalen Brunson's return is undoubtedly a positive development for the Knicks, it's not a magic bullet for their offensive struggles. The team faces deeper systemic issues that require addressing through player development, strategic adjustments, and potentially roster changes. To truly address the Knicks’ offensive woes and build a consistent, high-scoring team, a multifaceted approach is needed. Let's discuss the long-term solutions needed to improve the Knicks' offense beyond just the immediate impact of Brunson's return. Share your thoughts on what the Knicks need to do to improve their offensive performance in the comments below!