How the Knicks’ playoff rotation is likely to shake out

The playoffs are exactly a month away, and it’s a good time to send a reminder that rotations will be tightened.

We’re about to experience our first series under coach Mike Brown, but judging by his previous stint in Sacramento, a rotation of 8 ½ is the expectation. That’s pretty standard. The Pacers successfully went deeper a year ago, and maybe the Knicks will try to incorporate more reserves because they have capable players and it worked for the 2025 NBA finalists.

After all, the Pacers beat the Knicks, in part, because they had fresher legs.

But for the sake of this article, let’s assume eight players averaging at least 10 minutes per contest. The rest will plug smaller holes.

And let’s also assume the starting lineup — Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns — remains intact for the playoffs. There are concerns now about the way the Knicks are slogging through first quarters, but the plan is to stick with that lineup until it gives Brown more reasons to make a change.

With that, here’s a look at the bench candidates with their chances of holding a playoff rotation spot:

Mitchell Robinson

We’ve seen what Robinson can do in a postseason series. He utterly dominated the Cavaliers in 2023. Unfortunately, that was the last year Robinson was truly and fully healthy for the playoffs. Last season, he was around but not in great condition. This year, the Knicks set a plan to maintain Robinson’s health — limiting his minutes, sitting him in back-to-backs — and he’s supposedly ready to peak by mid-April.

Rotation status: A lock. 

Landry Shamet

Brown was a huge fan of Shamet even before they joined sides. The coach gave the guard a big opportunity, and Shamet rewarded that faith as the most reliable substitute since returning from a shoulder injury. The coach won’t move away from Shamet in the playoffs.

Rotation status: A lock.

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Miles McBride

McBride is aiming for a return before the playoffs, but there are obviously a lot of question marks about a player who underwent hernia surgery and hasn’t been active since January. There’s a world where McBride returns to form and plays more bench minutes than anybody else. There’s a world where a setback derails his return. There’s a world where he’s out of rhythm and loses a rotation spot. It’s hard to predict.

Rotation status: Would be a lock but predicated on health.

Jose Alvarado

He was their big deadline acquisition and a much-needed perimeter defender and ball handler to supplement Brunson. But shooting struggles make it difficult to play Alvarado consistently, and it’s easy to see his minutes being eaten up by McBride. But if McBride isn’t ready — or if Brunson is in foul trouble or banged up and the Knicks require a point guard to set up the offense — hello, Alvarado.

Rotation status: Situational. 

Mohamed Diawara

A better-than-expected rookie season for Diawara, but the Knicks have wings who eat up minutes – Hart, Bridges, Anunoby – and I don’t think the 20-year-old is ready for high-level playoff intensity. Still, Diawara is probably the No. 1 backup forward based on his size. So there should be matchups that compel his participation. 

Rotation status: Situational. 

Jordan Clarkson

A microwave scorer could be useful in a pinch. But the emphasis is on “in a pinch,” meaning the Knicks are trailing big and their offense is in a funk. Otherwise, it would be tough to see Clarkson getting a rotation spot if McBride is available.

Rotation status: Situational. 

Tyler Kolek

He showed flashes of playmaking brilliance early in the season, but the combination of poor defending and an inability to break pressure defenses forced the Knicks to acquire Alvarado. Since then, Kolek has mostly been on the outside of the rotation. And his issues would only be exacerbated in the playoffs.

Rotation status: Only in an emergency.

Ariel Hukporti

He’s a lesser version of Robinson and will only see the court if the team’s health or foul problems are dire.

Rotation status: Only in an emergency

Jeremy Sochan

He arrived at the trade deadline and was quickly removed from the rotation amid miscues and shooting woes.

Rotation status: Fully out.