Mike Brown has the right idea with Knicks’ bench-heavy approach to preseason

Kris Pursiainen of Daily Knicks argues that head coach Mike Brown has the right approach by limiting starters' minutes in the preseason. Following their 2026 championship run, New York faces the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, but Brown confirmed to reporters that the starting five will make only a brief appearance.

Pursiainen emphasizes that resting veteran starters after a shortened offseason allows younger players and roster hopefuls to develop. Key depth contributors like Tyler Kolek, Mohamed Diawara, and Tyler Nickel, along with five veterans on Exhibit 9 contracts, can benefit from extended preseason playing time.