Who Will Be in the New York Knicks Rotation Come the 2026 NBA Playoffs?
The New York Knicks just came off a 114-103 loss against the Charlotte Hornets, dropping their record to 48-26. In a competitive Eastern Conference, they sit just a game and a half behind the Boston Celtics for the second seed. With the NBA Playoffs approaching, it’s now clear which 10 teams will make the postseason, whether as a top-six seed or through the NBA Play-In Tournament. Under former head coach Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks relied on six to eight players in last year’s playoffs, creating fatigue issues for their stars. This year, with a deeper roster, the question is whether New York knows who will consistently make their rotation come playoff time.
The starting lineup is set in stone, anchored by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. When you have players such as OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart, they are expected to play every night, given the investment the Knicks made to acquire them. Miles McBride, returning from core muscle surgery, is cleared to play and will likely run a portion of the second unit alongside Jose Alvarado. Mitchell Robinson remains a key presence inside, both offensively and defensively, and it would be shocking to see him sidelined while healthy. These core pieces provide New York with a strong foundation heading into the postseason.
Beyond the starters, the rotation becomes less clear. Alvarado’s minutes have dipped, playing only five against Charlotte and nine against the New Orleans Pelicans, but he will likely still see time running the second offensive scheme alongside McBride. Landry Shamet, when healthy, offers one of the most reliable shooting options off the bench. Jordan Clarkson has regained significant minutes, bringing veteran experience to crucial situations. Mohamed Diawara adds intrigue with his seven-foot wingspan, capable of filling in at center when Towns or Robinson are off the floor, giving coach Mike Brown flexibility in matchups.
It’s possible the Knicks will feature nearly every player listed in their playoff rotation. Tyler Kolek, despite star-like moments this season, may see limited action due to the depth of the backcourt. Jeremy Sochan, acquired after the NBA Trade Deadline, has been relegated to a healthy scratch role. Younger players such as Pacome Dadiet and Ariel Hukporti will wait their turn, likely seeing minutes in future seasons. While the postseason roster may look vastly different from last year, the Knicks’ depth and versatility give them a strong chance to contend in the Eastern Conference.
