The New York Knicks have shown exciting potential in recent seasons, but the 2024-2025 season and beyond will depend heavily on player development, free agency moves, and potential trades. Predicting a depth chart this far out is speculative, but based on current roster, potential draft picks, and anticipated free agency moves, we can project a possible Knicks depth chart for the 2025 season. This projection considers contract situations, player potential, and typical NBA roster turnover. Remember, this is just a projection, and significant changes are almost certain before the 2025 season begins.
Point Guard
- Starter: Jalen Brunson. Brunson's leadership and scoring ability make him a cornerstone of the Knicks' future. His contract situation will be key to determining this projection's accuracy.
- Backup: This position is the biggest question mark. The Knicks could draft a promising point guard, sign a free agent, or see a current player step up. A potential candidate could be a high draft pick from the 2024 or 2025 NBA Draft, or a skilled free agent depending on the Knicks' cap space and team needs.
- Third String: This spot likely goes to a young player developing in the G-League or a veteran on a minimum contract, providing depth and experience.
Shooting Guard
- Starter: Quentin Grimes. Grimes has shown potential and seems likely to secure a starting role after proving himself a consistent three-point threat and a solid defender.
- Backup: This could be filled through the draft, free agency, or even a trade depending on the team's needs and available assets. A versatile player who can shoot and defend would be ideal.
- Third String: A developmental player or a veteran for depth.
Small Forward
- Starter: RJ Barrett. Barrett's future remains uncertain, but based on the investment made by the team, he's projected to start in 2025. His overall efficiency and development will dictate his long-term success with the Knicks.
- Backup: A player with high scoring ability, capable of taking over scoring duties for Barrett when needed, is essential in this position. This role could be filled through free agency or a trade that adds scoring punch.
- Third String: A versatile player who can play multiple positions, providing both defensive and offensive support.
Power Forward
- Starter: Isaiah Hartenstein. Hartenstein's versatility and rebounding could see him secure this spot, if the Knicks choose not to pursue other options through free agency.
- Backup: This spot likely gets filled via a trade or draft pick. A player who complements Hartenstein's strengths and covers his weaknesses would be ideal. Someone with a strong inside presence and reliable scoring would be a great fit.
- Third String: A young player to develop or a veteran minimum contract player for added depth.
Center
- Starter: Mitchell Robinson (if he re-signs). Robinson's contract situation will determine his role in 2025. If he does not re-sign, the Knicks may draft or sign a center.
- Backup: This backup position needs a player with a similar skill set to Robinson's—high energy, rebounding prowess, and reliable interior defense. Again, the draft or free agency could fill this need.
- Third String: A developmental player or veteran minimum-contract player.
Potential Changes and Considerations
This projection assumes several factors. Significant changes are likely. For example:
- Free Agency: The Knicks' success in free agency will heavily influence the final roster. Signing a star player could shift the entire depth chart.
- Trades: Trades before or during the 2024-2025 season could dramatically alter this projected lineup.
- Player Development: The progress of young players on the current roster (and future draft picks) will determine their roles. Unexpected breakthroughs or disappointments could greatly impact this projection.
- Draft Picks: The Knicks' draft picks in 2024 and 2025 could add significant talent to this roster.
This projected Knicks depth chart for 2025 offers a glimpse into a potential future, but flexibility and adaptation will be key as the team navigates the ever-changing landscape of the NBA. The next few seasons will be crucial in determining the team's trajectory. The actual 2025 Knicks depth chart might look very different, but this projection serves as a plausible scenario based on current information.
