Former Knicks Player Urges Team to Lessen Dependence on Jalen Brunson Heading Into 2025-26 Season
August 5, 2025 — New York, NY
As the buzz around the New York Knicks continues to grow following their deep postseason run last season, a former Knicks player has weighed in on what he believes could be the key to the team finally getting over the hump: being less reliant on superstar point guard Jalen Brunson.
The former player, who chose to remain anonymous but is well-known in Knicks circles and maintains strong ties to the franchise, made the comments during a recent segment on a regional sports podcast. While praising Brunson’s heroics and leadership, the ex-Knick voiced concern that the team may be too dependent on the All-Star guard, especially when it comes to shot creation, offensive tempo, and clutch decision-making.
“You can’t ask one man to carry the whole city every night — that’s what it started to feel like with Brunson,” the former player said. “He’s been phenomenal. But if the Knicks want to win a title, they have to figure out how to operate when he’s not on the floor or not at his best.”
The comments have sparked conversation among fans and analysts alike, especially with training camp just around the corner. Brunson, who has blossomed into one of the league’s most dependable and dynamic point guards since arriving in New York in 2022, was the engine behind the Knicks’ Eastern Conference Finals run in 2025. But it’s no secret that much of the offensive burden — and expectations — have rested squarely on his shoulders.
Brunson’s Rise and the Weight of Expectations
Since signing with the Knicks as a free agent three seasons ago, Jalen Brunson has transformed both his own career and the identity of the franchise. In 2024-25, he averaged 26.8 points, 6.9 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game, all while playing some of the most minutes in the NBA. He delivered time and again in clutch moments, including iconic performances in the playoffs against Miami and Milwaukee.
But as the playoffs progressed — and defenses became more physical and schemes more calculated — it became clear that the Knicks had few consistent secondary options to create offense when Brunson was neutralized.
The former Knick noted this issue in his analysis:
“When Brunson sat, the team often stalled. The ball didn’t move the same way, the confidence wasn’t there. And that’s not a knock on the other guys — that’s a system issue.”
The Need for a More Balanced Offense
Head coach Tom Thibodeau has long been known for placing a heavy workload on his stars, and in Brunson’s case, it paid dividends. But as the former player and others have pointed out, a more balanced offense may be required to ensure long-term sustainability — especially with the brutal grind of an 82-game season and deep playoff aspirations.
To help remedy this, the Knicks made several offseason moves aimed at reinforcing the supporting cast. The anticipated signing of Jordan Clarkson, a proven scorer and Sixth Man of the Year winner, is expected to alleviate some of the offensive pressure. Additionally, the return of a healthy Julius Randle and the continued development of Immanuel Quickley and Quentin Grimes provide promise.
Still, questions remain. Can the Knicks get consistent secondary playmaking when Brunson is off the floor? Will Randle return to his All-NBA form post-injury? And how will Thibodeau adjust rotations to keep Brunson fresh and productive deep into the season?
Insight from Within the Locker Room
Players themselves have echoed a similar sentiment in offseason interviews — albeit more diplomatically. OG Anunoby, who re-signed with the Knicks on a long-term deal, told reporters in July:
“Jalen sets the tone for us, but it’s on all of us to step up and contribute. We’ve got to share the ball more and trust each other.”
Even Brunson has acknowledged the need for a diversified approach. Speaking at a charity event earlier this summer, he said:
“I’m just trying to lead, but it’s a team game. The best teams don’t rely on one guy to do everything. We’ve got a lot of talent, and I trust the guys around me to step up even more this year.”
Championship Aspirations — With a Collective Effort
The Knicks have reached the Eastern Conference Finals and achieved their first back-to-back 50-win seasons since the 1990s, but the goal remains a championship — something the franchise hasn’t tasted since 1973.
To make that leap, they may need to follow the advice of their former player and reshape the offensive hierarchy. That doesn’t mean diminishing Brunson’s role; rather, it means optimizing it by ensuring others can help carry the load — especially during the inevitable off nights, double-teams, or late-season fatigue.
With new faces coming in, health improving, and the foundation as strong as it’s been in decades, the Knicks are in position to strike. But to take that final step, they’ll need to grow not just as a team that plays around Brunson, but a team that thrives with — and without — him.
As the former player summed it up:
“He’s the heart of the team. But if you want to win it all, the legs better be just as strong.”
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