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The Knicks have a bench guard conundrum

When you’re the defending champions, there are not many holistic things to complain about. Sure, the Knicks started 0-3 with a very unsettling offense, but all they needed was their medicine (the Nets and Bulls) to get back to .500?…

Published: Friday, 6 November 2026 at 4:45 PM
The Knicks have a bench guard conundrum
Key Things to Know
  • Michael Zeno argues that Knicks coach Mike Brown faces a difficult rotation conundrum regarding the team's bench guard depth.
  • Landry Shamet is the only Knicks reserve guard averaging over 18 minutes per game this season.
  • Tyler Kolek, Jose Alvarado, Jordan Clarkson, and Deuce McBride have all experienced fluctuating playing time.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Posting and Toasting's Michael Zeno argues that New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown faces a rotation conundrum managing playing time for a crowded backcourt. Behind starting point guard Jalen Brunson, bench guards Tyler Kolek, Jose Alvarado, Jordan Clarkson, Deuce McBride, and Landry Shamet are competing for limited minutes, creating an erratic rotation early in the season.

Zeno notes that only Shamet averages over 18 bench minutes per game, while McBride played a season-low 11 minutes against the Chicago Bulls. Given the team's thinner depth in the frontcourt, Zeno suggests the Knicks may need to address their excess guard depth by the trade deadline.

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