The 2025-26 New York Knicks season marked a significant era for the franchise, characterized by a major coaching change, a high-profile roster overhaul, and the team's first-ever NBA Cup championship. Under the leadership of head coach Mike Brown, the Knicks finished the regular season with a 53–29 record, securing the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference. This roster was built around a "Nova Knicks" core supplemented by elite frontcourt talent and versatile wing depth.

Complete New York Knicks Player Roster for 2025-26

The following list represents the definitive roster that competed during the 2025-26 NBA season. This squad was finalized following several key transactions, including the acquisition of Karl-Anthony Towns and the hiring of Mike Brown.

Backcourt: Point Guards and Shooting Guards

The Knicks' backcourt was anchored by Jalen Brunson, who continued his ascent as one of the league's premier floor generals. The depth behind him provided a mix of veteran stability and youthful energy.

  • Jalen Brunson (#11): The undisputed leader and primary playmaker. Standing at 6'2", Brunson’s ability to navigate the paint and hit clutch shots remained the engine of the Knicks' offense.
  • Miles McBride (#2): A defensive specialist who evolved into a reliable secondary scorer and backup point guard.
  • Tyler Kolek (#13): A rookie addition who provided high-level playmaking and shooting off the bench.
  • Jordan Clarkson (#00): Acquired to provide veteran scoring punch and "microwave" ability for the second unit.
  • Landry Shamet (#44): A floor-spacer utilized for his perimeter shooting and tactical movement.
  • Jose Alvarado (#5): Known for his "Grand Theft Alvarado" defensive style, providing energy and disruption.

Wings: Small Forwards and Power Forwards

The wing rotation was perhaps the strongest in the league, featuring elite two-way players capable of guarding multiple positions and switching seamlessly in Mike Brown’s defensive schemes.

  • Mikal Bridges (#25): The "Iron Man" of the NBA, providing elite perimeter defense and efficient three-level scoring.
  • OG Anunoby (#8): A defensive powerhouse whose versatility allowed the Knicks to shut down opposing stars. His health was a critical factor in the team's success.
  • Josh Hart (#3): The ultimate "glue guy," leading the team in rebounding from the guard/forward position and providing relentless transition play.
  • Pacôme Dadiet (#4): A young prospect focused on development, offering length and athletic upside.
  • Mohamed Diawara (#51): A draft-day acquisition who spent time between the main roster and the G League.
  • Kevin McCullar Jr. (#9): A two-way player utilized for depth and defensive situational lineups.
  • Tosan Evbuomwan (#20): Another two-way developmental wing who provided minutes during the regular season.
  • Jeremy Sochan (#28): A mid-season or rotational addition known for defensive versatility and high basketball IQ.

Frontcourt: Centers and Power Forwards

The frontcourt underwent the most dramatic change with the addition of Karl-Anthony Towns, shifting the Knicks' offensive identity toward a five-out spacing model while maintaining traditional rim protection.

  • Karl-Anthony Towns (#32): The centerpiece of the frontcourt, providing elite shooting and post-play. His presence opened the floor for Jalen Brunson’s drives.
  • Mitchell Robinson (#23): The team's primary rim protector and offensive rebounding specialist. Robinson remained vital for defensive stability and interior presence.
  • Ariel Hukporti (#55): A backup center who provided physical interior play and rebounding depth.
  • Guerschon Yabusele (#28): A versatile forward who provided strength and perimeter shooting in the rotation.
  • Trey Jemison (#50): A two-way center providing insurance for the interior rotation.

Coaching and Executive Leadership

A pivotal moment for the 2025-26 season occurred on June 3, 2025, when the organization decided to move on from Tom Thibodeau. This led to the hiring of Mike Brown on July 7, 2025, bringing a fresh defensive philosophy and an emphasis on pace and space.

  • Head Coach: Mike Brown
  • Associate Head Coach: Chris Jent
  • Assistant Coaches: Charles Allen, Rick Brunson, Mark Bryant, Maurice Cheeks, Darren Erman, Riccardo Fois, Billy Lange, Brendan O'Connor.
  • President of Basketball Operations: Leon Rose
  • General Manager: Gersson Rosas

2025-26 Season Performance Analysis

The 2025-26 New York Knicks were characterized by their resilience and high-octane offensive efficiency. Finishing 3rd in the Eastern Conference with 53 wins, the team improved upon their 51-win performance from the previous year.

The NBA Cup Championship

One of the defining achievements of this roster was winning the in-season NBA Cup. The Knicks finished the tournament with a 6–1 record, ultimately defeating the San Antonio Spurs 120–114 in the final on December 16. They made history as the first team to win the trophy without an undefeated tournament record.

Key Regular Season Statistics

The roster's balance was reflected in the league-wide rankings:

  • Points Per Game (PPG): 117.1 (10th in NBA)
  • Rebounds Per Game (RPG): 46.0 (7th in NBA)
  • Opponent Points Per Game (OPPG): 110.9 (5th in NBA)
  • Net Rating: 6.2 (Indicating a dominant point differential)

The trio of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mikal Bridges proved to be one of the most effective lineups in basketball. On-court data showed that when OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges played together, the Knicks maintained a defensive rating that was among the best in the league, stifling opponent perimeter play.

Notable Regular Season Milestones

The season featured several historic moments for the New York franchise:

  • Largest Margin of Victory: On January 31, the Knicks defeated the Brooklyn Nets 120–66. The 54-point margin set a new franchise record for the largest victory in a regular-season game.
  • Winning Streaks: Following a difficult January stretch where the team went 2–9, the roster showed immense character by closing the month with a 5-game winning streak.
  • Playoff Clinching: The Knicks clinched their fourth consecutive playoff appearance on March 30, following a Philadelphia 76ers loss to the Miami Heat.

Roster Transition and Free Agency Context

As of April 2026, the 2025-26 campaign has concluded its regular phase, and the roster is fixed for the postseason. However, the organization faces significant decisions heading into the 2026 offseason. Several rotation players are scheduled to enter free agency on July 1, 2026, including various players with player or team options.

The 2025 NBA Draft saw the Knicks select Kobe Sanders with the 50th pick, who was subsequently traded for Mohamed Diawara and the rights to Luka Mitrović. This move highlighted the front office's strategy of looking for international developmental talent to fill out the end of the bench.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who was the head coach of the Knicks in 2025-26?

Mike Brown served as the head coach for the 2025-26 season, replacing Tom Thibodeau who was fired in June 2025.

Did the Knicks win a championship in 2025?

Yes, the Knicks won the NBA Cup (the in-season tournament) in December 2025 by defeating the San Antonio Spurs.

What was Jalen Brunson's role on the 2025-26 team?

Jalen Brunson was the primary star and starting point guard, leading the team in scoring and assists while serving as the primary offensive facilitator.

Who were the key starters for the Knicks in 2025-26?

The typical starting lineup featured Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart (or a versatile forward), and Karl-Anthony Towns.

Summary of the 2025-26 New York Knicks

The 2025-26 New York Knicks roster was a meticulously constructed unit that balanced star power with elite role players. By combining the playmaking of Jalen Brunson with the versatile scoring of Karl-Anthony Towns and the elite wing defense of Bridges and Anunoby, the Knicks established themselves as a powerhouse in the Eastern Conference. The season will be remembered for the record-breaking victory over the Nets and the historic NBA Cup victory, cementing this specific group of players in the franchise's storied history.