The New York Knicks Are Entering the New Season With Key Bench Additions That Could Boost Depth and Playoff Hopes Significantly
As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, the New York Knicks find themselves in a position that fans haven’t seen in years—stability, expectation, and optimism. A team once known for constant change and confusion now boasts continuity, direction, and a clear vision. Jalen Brunson is a rising star. Tom Thibodeau’s defensive identity has taken root. And Madison Square Garden is once again a tough place for visiting teams to play.
But while the Knicks’ core remains largely intact, the front office recognized that depth wins in the playoffs—and that bolstering the bench would be critical for taking the next step. So they went to work this offseason, not chasing splashy stars, but instead targeting players who can elevate the second unit, bring playoff composure, and add valuable versatility on both ends of the court.
With a series of smart, focused additions, the Knicks’ bench is shaping up to be one of the most underrated strengths of the roster. These aren’t just names to fill gaps; they are strategic acquisitions designed to support the starters, maintain intensity when the stars rest, and offer new wrinkles when matchups demand flexibility.
In today’s NBA, depth is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. The regular season is long, injuries are inevitable, and matchups in the playoffs require lineup adjustments that only deep rosters can afford to make. Teams that rely too heavily on their starting five often flame out when their stars get fatigued or face a tough defensive scheme. That’s why every contender builds with the postseason in mind—and the Knicks are doing just that.
New York’s playoff experience over the last two seasons revealed some key shortcomings. While the starters could hang with nearly anyone in the league, there were moments when the second unit couldn’t hold leads or generate consistent offense. That’s where this offseason’s changes come in.
Though none of the Knicks’ offseason signings made major headlines, the impact they could have is significant. The team added players who are capable, seasoned, and stylistically in line with Thibodeau’s system. Think of players who play tough defense, hit open shots, and understand their roles.
One of the most intriguing additions is Alec Burks, returning to New York after previous stints with the franchise. Burks is a quintessential bench scorer—able to create his own shot, shoot from deep, and take pressure off the starting backcourt. He brings a calm presence to the second unit, having played key playoff minutes throughout his career. Burks won’t demand the ball, but he can certainly make plays when called upon.
Another key pickup is Precious Achiuwa, who brings defensive flexibility and athleticism to the frontcourt rotation. Achiuwa’s ability to guard multiple positions, switch on the perimeter, and protect the rim gives Thibodeau another chess piece. He can play alongside Mitchell Robinson, back up Isaiah Hartenstein, or even slide into small-ball lineups depending on the matchup.
In the backcourt, Miles McBride continues to develop and will play a larger role with his elite point-of-attack defense and improving shot. The addition of Shake Milton—a combo guard with playoff experience and the ability to create in isolation—adds another layer to the guard rotation. Milton’s size and versatility make him an ideal bench fit who can slide between point and shooting guard, depending on what the game demands.
These aren’t superstar signings, but they are winning signings. Every one of these players has been in big moments, understands how to play within a team structure, and provides something the Knicks lacked last year—trustworthy depth.
The Knicks aren’t just relying on their newcomers. Key bench contributors from last season are back and poised to have even greater impact.
Josh Hart, a fan favorite, embodies everything Thibodeau values—toughness, rebounding, hustle, and effort. His presence on the second unit ensures that there’s no drop-off in intensity when the starters sit. Hart’s chemistry with Brunson and DiVincenzo, dating back to their college days, also gives the bench cohesion that few other teams can match.
Donte DiVincenzo, who started and came off the bench at times last season, will likely play a hybrid role again this year. His perimeter shooting, defensive energy, and movement without the ball are all vital for a Knicks team that often relies on secondary scoring and unselfish ball movement.
Isaiah Hartenstein re-signed with the Knicks and gives them one of the most versatile backup bigs in the league. He’s a gifted passer, a relentless rebounder, and a solid rim protector. Having a big who can make reads from the top of the key or out of the short roll opens up new layers to the bench offense—particularly when paired with cutters like Hart and Milton.
What makes the Knicks’ bench particularly unique is the blend of experienced veterans and promising young players. This isn’t a roster full of aging veterans trying to chase one last title. Nor is it a group of rookies being thrown into the fire. It’s a careful combination that allows the team to win now while still building for the future.
Quentin Grimes, for example, may come off the bench depending on how Thibodeau manages rotations, but he’s a young player with significant two-way upside. His shooting and perimeter defense could make him a closer in certain matchups, even if he starts games on the bench.
Jericho Sims continues to develop as a backup center with incredible athleticism and a growing understanding of NBA defensive schemes. He provides emergency depth and a physical presence that can swing momentum during stretches where energy is needed.
And there’s always the possibility that younger players like Jacob Toppin or rookie draft selections earn minutes over the course of the season, especially during the grueling middle months when rest and rotation experimentation become necessary.
One of the most underrated aspects of a deep bench is how it allows a team to strategically manage minutes. Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, and RJ Barrett are all workhorses, but overuse in the regular season can lead to fatigue or injury when the playoffs arrive.
With a deeper bench, Thibodeau can afford to reduce their minutes, stagger rotations more creatively, and maintain intensity without sacrificing performance. Players like Burks, Hart, DiVincenzo, and Milton can handle heavier minutes in the regular season, giving the stars more breathers without hurting the scoreboard.
This flexibility is critical in the modern NBA. With the league placing increasing emphasis on player health and back-to-back management, teams with deep, reliable benches often fare better down the stretch.
The Knicks aren’t just building to survive the regular season—they’re building to win in April and May. That’s where a deep, versatile bench becomes even more important.
In a seven-game series, teams hunt mismatches, exploit weaknesses, and force coaches to adjust. A shallow bench limits a coach’s ability to counter those moves. But with the mix of wings, guards, and bigs the Knicks now possess, Thibodeau has options. He can go big. He can go small. He can play shooters or defenders. He can adapt.
Players like Burks and Milton are battle-tested in the playoffs. Hart and DiVincenzo know what it means to perform under pressure. Hartenstein has shown he can battle against elite bigs. That playoff experience matters—and now the Knicks have it on their bench.
The New York Knicks have been one of the most patient and methodical teams in the league over the last few seasons, and this offseason has been no different. By targeting key bench additions instead of overhauling their core or chasing stars, they’ve built a team that’s better prepared for the rigors of a full season and a deep playoff run.
These bench moves may not dominate headlines, but they represent something far more important: a clear plan, a commitment to sustainable success, and a team that believes it can win with the right pieces—not just the biggest names.
As the 2025-26 season tips off, fans can expect more than just the usual grind from the Knicks. With a bench that’s deeper, smarter, and tougher than ever, New York is no longer just hoping to contend. They’re built for it.
