Projecting the 2025-26 New York Knicks Starters and How Their Lineup Could Shape a Deep Playoff Run This Season
NEW YORK — Who is going to start for your 2025–26 New York Knicks? That question, once clouded in uncertainty and endless speculation, now carries excitement, promise, and high-level intrigue. The Knicks, after a transformative offseason and a strong core retained from last year’s playoff push, have positioned themselves as serious contenders in the Eastern Conference. The battle for starting roles is no longer about filling gaps but rather optimizing strengths and managing a wealth of talent across the board. This version of the Knicks features a rare combination of experience, chemistry, defense, scoring balance, and depth. Picking the five players who will walk out with the starters tag on opening night isn’t easy—but it’s a good problem for the franchise to have.
Let’s begin where there is no debate: Jalen Brunson will absolutely be the Knicks’ starting point guard. Brunson has elevated himself into one of the premier lead guards in the NBA, a steady force who blends scoring, facilitation, toughness, and leadership. Since arriving in New York, he has transformed the Knicks’ identity, becoming the engine of their offense and a tone-setter in clutch situations. Brunson’s ability to control tempo, break down defenses, and hit difficult shots has made him indispensable. In the playoffs, he further solidified his role as the team’s emotional and strategic centerpiece. Heading into 2025–26, his job as the starting one is not only secure but vital to the Knicks’ success.
What makes this year particularly interesting is the new options around him. The Knicks added elite wing Mikal Bridges in a blockbuster trade, and his arrival drastically changes the equation for the rest of the lineup. Bridges is one of the best 3-and-D players in the league, but to reduce him to that role alone would be misleading. He can put the ball on the floor, finish at the rim, and guard multiple positions at a high level. With the Knicks already boasting a strong defensive core, Bridges adds even more versatility and makes the starting five potentially one of the league’s best perimeter units. His ability to play either the two or the three opens up multiple lineup configurations. Still, considering the Knicks’ need for wing defense and floor spacing, Bridges is almost certain to start—likely at small forward.
That brings us to the shooting guard position, where the competition is a bit more complex. Quentin Grimes, Donte DiVincenzo, and even Tyler Kolek could all theoretically slot into the backcourt alongside Brunson, but DiVincenzo likely has the edge. His familiarity with Brunson and Josh Hart from their shared Villanova days gives him an innate chemistry with the team’s core. DiVincenzo is a gritty defender, an improving shooter, and someone who doesn’t need the ball to be effective—an ideal complement to Brunson and Bridges. His defensive effort, transition ability, and high motor make him a logical candidate to start at the two, especially in a lineup focused on perimeter containment and ball movement.
At the forward spot, Julius Randle is expected to reclaim his role as the starting power forward, assuming full health. Though he has had his share of critics, Randle’s production is undeniable. When locked in, he is a dominant physical force capable of scoring at all three levels. His ability to draw double-teams, crash the boards, and run the floor makes him essential, especially in the regular season. His presence gives the Knicks a frontcourt scoring option that helps balance Brunson’s perimeter attack. The big question is how well Randle will adjust to playing alongside Bridges, a more ball-dominant wing than he’s used to, but if Randle is willing to commit to playing within the system and trusting the ball to move, this pairing could be a nightmare for defenses.
At center, Mitchell Robinson is the most likely candidate to resume his role, though his position is perhaps the most vulnerable among returning starters. Robinson is one of the best offensive rebounders in the NBA, and when healthy, he anchors the Knicks’ interior defense. His shot-blocking and rim-running have long been key to New York’s identity. However, health has always been a concern, and the Knicks have quality depth behind him, including Isaiah Hartenstein if retained, and potentially a young, athletic French big man acquired during the offseason who has drawn praise for his length, mobility, and defensive upside. Still, Robinson’s defensive chemistry with the rest of the core and his experience under Tom Thibodeau make him the likely starter to begin the season.
So, the projected starting lineup looks something like this: Jalen Brunson at point guard, Donte DiVincenzo at shooting guard, Mikal Bridges at small forward, Julius Randle at power forward, and Mitchell Robinson at center. This group offers an excellent blend of offense and defense, veteran savvy and youthful energy, with the ability to score in transition, hit from deep, and play physically in the halfcourt. More importantly, it fits Head Coach Tom Thibodeau’s blueprint—gritty, defensive-minded, and mentally tough.
But this is the NBA. The “starting five” matters, but what’s often more important is who closes games and how rotations shift over the course of a long season. That’s where the Knicks’ depth becomes crucial. Tyler Kolek, for instance, could become a valuable second-unit spark, especially if his shooting and playmaking develop quickly. The rookie is already known for his IQ, vision, and unselfishness, and under Thibodeau’s structured system, he might carve out a role faster than expected.
Then there’s Josh Hart, a player who may not start but will surely finish many games. Hart’s energy, rebounding, and toughness make him a closing-time favorite for Thibodeau. If the Knicks need stops and grit, Hart will be on the floor. Likewise, Quentin Grimes could push for a starting role if his offensive consistency improves. His on-ball defense remains elite, and his ability to hit catch-and-shoot threes makes him a strong candidate for meaningful minutes.
Bench additions like Jordan Clarkson also create new rotational opportunities. Clarkson is unlikely to start, but his scoring off the bench will allow the Knicks to rest Brunson without suffering offensive drop-off. Clarkson’s microwave ability could prove especially useful in games where the offense stagnates or needs a sudden burst. His veteran presence and fearless shot-making could earn him sixth-man-of-the-year consideration if the Knicks climb the standings.
The frontcourt is equally deep. If Mitchell Robinson’s injury issues persist or if the coaching staff wants more offensive versatility, players like Hartenstein or the French big man could step in. Hartenstein provides high-level passing and floor spacing for a center, while the newcomer brings shot-blocking upside and developing touch around the rim. Either could start situationally depending on matchups.
Another wildcard is RJ Barrett. After being traded in the deal for Mikal Bridges or a potential separate transaction (depending on how offseason moves shook out), Barrett’s role is unclear. If he remains on the roster, his scoring and slashing could create starting lineup tension, especially if the Knicks want more offensive creation from the wing. However, inconsistency and defense have been long-standing concerns. Still, a focused and efficient Barrett could crack the starting five again or thrive as a lead scorer off the bench.
Ultimately, the Knicks now have the rare luxury of flexibility. They can go big or small, defensive or offensive, veteran-heavy or development-focused. Thibodeau, often criticized for rigid rotations, will need to balance chemistry with adaptation. But the tools are there—arguably the most complete roster New York has had in two decades.
This projected starting five also reflects the cultural evolution the Knicks have undergone. From years of chasing star names without consideration for fit, the Knicks have built a roster with cohesion, purpose, and identity. Every player in this potential starting lineup has a role they understand, and none of them require ego-driven shot volume to thrive. Brunson facilitates, DiVincenzo spaces, Bridges defends and slashes, Randle scores and rebounds, and Robinson protects the paint. That’s balance—and balance is what wins in the modern NBA.
The 2025–26 season won’t be easy. The Eastern Conference is stacked, and teams like Boston, Milwaukee, Miami, and Philadelphia remain formidable. But the Knicks are no longer just trying to make the playoffs. They are trying to make a run. And it starts with the right five.
So, who is going to start for your 2025–26 New York Knicks? If everything stays on course, expect a smart, experienced, tough-minded group ready to push for 50+ wins and home-court advantage. It’s a lineup worthy of Madison Square Garden—and perhaps even something more.
