Key Takeaways

• Brown publicly embraced unconventional lineups that excluded Brunson and Towns, signaling a willingness to experiment during the Knicks' playoff run and into the current season.
• In over 10 minutes of play without either star, the Knicks won those stints by a single point, but a large share of success came from Andre Drummond in the first half, with diminishing impact in the second.
• During a loss to Boston, a stretch without both stars lasted a bit over four minutes, producing just three points and a seven-point deficit, prompting Brown to move away from the experiment in the second half.
• Even with potential synergy gains from pairing Brunson and Towns, the current roster is not optimized for self-creation or playmaking without both stars, increasing reliance on players like Anunoby, Bridges, and Hart, and on Drummond’s offense.
• Any long-term solution would require adding a big or a secondary offensive hub, since internal development alone (e.g., Clarkson or Kolek) may not achieve the needed impact for lineups without Towns and Brunson.
• There is speculation the Knicks might pursue a trade to enhance lineups lacking Towns and Brunson, but such moves would come with cost, solidifying that the immediate answer remains avoiding simultaneous use of both stars unless absolutely necessary.