The New York Knicks have had a rollercoaster start to their 2024 season, and one of the most glaring issues that has surfaced in recent games is their point guard depth. With starting point guard Jalen Brunson and backup Miles McBride both sidelined due to injury, the Knicks are facing a tough challenge heading into their matchup against the Utah Jazz. The absence of these two key players has left the Knicks thin at the most critical position on the floor, raising questions about how they will cope with the situation and what it could mean for the team’s success in the short term.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the injury issues surrounding Brunson and McBride, the impact their absence has on the Knicks, and how New York can potentially adjust to fill the void at point guard against the Jazz.
The Impact of Jalen Brunson’s Absence
Jalen Brunson has quickly established himself as the cornerstone of the Knicks’ offense since his arrival in 2022. Known for his poise, leadership, and scoring ability, Brunson has been the engine that drives New York’s attack, averaging 23.5 points, 6.0 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game over the last season. His ability to control the pace of the game, create shots for himself, and distribute the ball effectively has made him one of the most reliable point guards in the league.
Brunson’s absence due to a recent injury—details of which have yet to be fully disclosed—has placed a massive burden on the team’s backcourt. While the Knicks have some depth in terms of scoring, losing a player of Brunson’s caliber is a major setback. His vision on the court and ability to run the offense at a high level are irreplaceable, and without him, the Knicks’ offensive flow is at risk of stagnating.
The Knicks have relied heavily on Brunson’s leadership, particularly in close games, and his absence puts extra pressure on the other members of the team to step up. For a team with playoff aspirations, losing their starting point guard at such a crucial point in the season is a huge blow, and the team’s ability to weather the storm without Brunson will likely determine how successful they are in the coming weeks.
Miles McBride’s Injury Compounds the Problem
While Brunson’s injury is a significant concern for the Knicks, the absence of backup point guard Miles McBride is also a critical issue. McBride has shown flashes of potential as a tenacious defender and capable floor general, particularly when tasked with filling in for Brunson in limited minutes. His strong defensive presence and grit have made him a valuable asset for the Knicks, especially in situations where they need to lock down opposing point guards or execute a fast-paced offense.
However, McBride is also dealing with an injury, leaving the Knicks in an even more vulnerable position at point guard. The loss of both Brunson and McBride means that the team has no true point guard available off the bench, and they will be forced to get creative in how they handle the situation against the Jazz.
McBride’s absence also leaves a sizable gap defensively. While Brunson is known more for his offensive skills, McBride has been an asset on defense, often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter player. His ability to disrupt passing lanes, pressure the ball, and provide energy off the bench is a skill that will be sorely missed. Without McBride, the Knicks’ defense could be more vulnerable to exploitation by the Jazz, who have some talented ball handlers and playmakers on their roster.
Filling the Void: What’s Next for the Knicks?
With Brunson and McBride out, the Knicks will need to rely on other players to step into the point guard role, or at least take on some of the responsibilities that these two players typically handle. There are a few options at coach Tom Thibodeau’s disposal to patch up the point guard situation, though none come without their own set of challenges.
1. Immanuel Quickley as a Primary Ball Handler
One of the most logical moves the Knicks can make in the absence of both Brunson and McBride is to give Immanuel Quickley more minutes as the primary ball handler. Quickley has proven to be a versatile player who can fill in at point guard when needed, though he is primarily known as a shooting guard. While Quickley is more of a scoring guard, he has shown significant improvement in his ability to run the offense, and his speed and energy make him a valuable asset in transition.
Quickley has also developed a strong rapport with teammates, and his ability to create for others—along with his shooting prowess—makes him a capable option to step up and manage the offense in Brunson’s absence. That said, Quickley isn’t a traditional point guard, and his game is more focused on scoring than on setting up others. This could lead to a more free-flowing, less structured offense, but the Knicks will need to make that adjustment in order to stay competitive.
2. Julius Randle as a Secondary Playmaker
Another potential solution is for Julius Randle, the Knicks’ star forward, to take on more of a playmaking role. Randle has shown the ability to initiate offense in the past, especially when the team is short-handed or in transition. He can handle the ball, create mismatches, and distribute to teammates. His vision as a passer has developed significantly, and while he’s not a point guard by trade, Randle has the skill set to facilitate the offense when needed.
While relying on Randle as a playmaker isn’t ideal, it could provide the Knicks with a temporary solution until Brunson returns. The key here will be finding a balance—Randle will need to continue contributing as a scorer, but he may have to pick up some of the ball-handling duties as well to keep the offense running smoothly.
3. The Potential Role of Evan Fournier and RJ Barrett
The absence of Brunson and McBride also opens up opportunities for Evan Fournier and RJ Barrett to take on larger roles in the backcourt. Fournier, known for his shooting ability and experience, could play a more prominent role in setting up the offense and being a secondary ball handler. Similarly, Barrett, the Knicks’ young star wing, has shown flashes of playmaking ability and could be asked to help orchestrate the offense alongside Quickley.
Barrett’s ability to drive to the basket and draw defenders can open up passing lanes for teammates, while Fournier’s sharp shooting from the outside could help space the floor and provide an outlet for other players to facilitate.
The Game Against the Jazz: What to Expect
The Utah Jazz are a formidable opponent, with a strong mix of veterans and young talent. Without Brunson and McBride, the Knicks will need to rely heavily on their remaining key players, and the game against the Jazz could be a true test of their depth and adaptability.
On offense, the Knicks will likely lean on Quickley and Randle to shoulder the ball-handling duties. They’ll also need to get creative with how they run their offense to make up for the lack of a traditional point guard. Defensively, the Knicks may struggle without McBride’s perimeter defense, and they’ll have to hope that the combination of Quickley and Barrett can pick up the slack.
The game against the Jazz will be a true test for the Knicks’ ability to adapt and stay competitive, even when missing key players. How they perform without Brunson and McBride could have significant ramifications for their season, and it will be a critical moment for head coach Tom Thibodeau to demonstrate his ability to adjust on the fly.
Conclusion
The injuries to Jalen Brunson and Miles McBride have left the New York Knicks thin at the point guard position, a challenge that will test their depth and versatility. While the absence of two key players is never ideal, the Knicks have a few options at their disposal to navigate this difficult period. Immanuel Quickley, Julius Randle, and even RJ Barrett and Evan Fournier could all see increased ball-handling responsibilities as the team looks to fill the void.
As the Knicks prepare for their matchup against the Utah Jazz, their ability to adjust to these injuries will be crucial. The upcoming games will be a defining moment for the team as they look to stay competitive while dealing with these significant absences. How well they can cope without their starting point guard and backup could shape the trajectory of their season and set the tone for how they manage adversity moving forward.