Ranking New York Knicks Players Into 14 Different Categories Ahead Of 2024-25 Season

The New York Knicks have a very strong collection of players heading into the 2024-25 NBA season, led by stars Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle . The Knicks’ core features two-way wings OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges while role players Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo aim to provide hustle and floor-spacing. The Knicks feel they have enough to win an NBA championship and as we get closer to the start of the 2024-25 season, we name the best Knicks player featured in one of our 14 categories.

Best All-Around Player: Jalen Brunson

Jalen Brunson has established himself as the Knicks’ best all-around player due to his offensive efficiency, leadership, and ability to perform in clutch moments. Brunson averaged 28.7 points and 6.7 assists per game last season while shooting 47.9% from the field and 40.1% from three-point range. His ability to control the tempo and make plays for his teammates is one of the reasons why the Knicks' offense often flows through him.

Brunson’s leadership was on full display during the 2024 playoffs, where he led the Knicks to the second round, averaging 32.4 points and 7.5 assists per game. He’s not just a scorer, but a tenacious competitor who can take on the responsibility of guarding the opposing team's best backcourt player when needed. His steady presence, combined with his offensive versatility, makes him the Knicks’ most indispensable player going into the 2024-25 season.

Most Underrated: Josh Hart

Josh Hart is the epitome of an unsung hero, consistently making winning plays that don’t always get the attention they deserve. Hart averaged 9.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game last season, showcasing his versatility as a do-it-all wing. Despite being a small forward naturally, Hart is an elite rebounder and one of the most important on his team, highlighting his relentless energy and nose for the ball.

Hart's impact goes beyond the box score. He’s the type of player who provides hustle, grit, and leadership, traits that help elevate his teammates. His defensive prowess and ability to make key plays at crucial moments make him one of the most underrated players in the league.

Most Overrated: Mitchell Robinson

Mitchell Robinson is one of the best shot-blockers in the NBA, but his offensive limitations and inconsistency on the boards have made him a somewhat overrated piece of the Knicks' puzzle. Last season, Robinson averaged 5.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game, with his defensive ability anchoring the team’s interior. However, his lack of a reliable offensive game outside of putbacks and alley-oops limits his overall impact.

He shot a high percentage (57.5%) from the field, but most of those attempts were uncontested dunks, meaning he isn’t much of a threat when the defense is set. Most importantly, the big man cannot seem to stay healthy. He has only played 90 regular season games over two years and the Knicks need him to be more available to be a key part of their team.

Best Shooter: Donte DiVincenzo

Donte DiVincenzo brings much-needed shooting to the Knicks' lineup, and his perimeter prowess earns him the title of best shooter on the team. Last season with the Golden State Warriors, DiVincenzo shot an impressive 40.1% from three-point range, making him a consistent floor-spacer for a Knicks team that needs reliable outside shooting.

His ability to knock down shots off the catch and create his own looks from beyond the arc will be crucial in opening up driving lanes for teammates like Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle. In addition to his three-point shooting, DiVincenzo is a solid all-around offensive player who can score in multiple ways. He averaged 15.5 points per game while playing within a high-paced offense and his shot selection was always efficient.

Best Post Scorer: Julius Randle

Julius Randle is the Knicks’ best post scorer, using his strength and versatility to dominate opponents inside the paint. Randle averaged 24.0 points and 9.2 rebounds per game last season, thriving as a physical presence who can back down defenders or finish through contact. He has developed a polished post game, featuring a variety of moves such as spin moves, drop steps, and fadeaways, making him difficult to guard one-on-one.

Randle is also effective at drawing fouls in the post, which helps the Knicks generate easy points from the free-throw line, where he shot 78.1% last season. His ability to kick out to shooters when doubled in the post adds another layer to his game, making him a central figure in the Knicks’ half-court offense.

Best Handles: Jalen Brunson

Jalen Brunson’s ball-handling is one of his greatest assets, allowing him to navigate through defenses with precision. He is highly adept at creating space for himself, whether through crossovers, hesitations, or spin moves. Brunson’s tight handles enable him to probe the defense, find gaps in the lane, and either finish at the rim or dish it out to teammates.

Brunson’s handles were on full display last season when he averaged 2.4 turnovers per game, a low figure for someone who handles the ball as much as he does. His ball control and ability to create offense for himself and others make him the engine of the Knicks’ offense. Defenders have a tough time staying in front of him due to his crafty dribbling, and his ability to create off the bounce is one of the reasons he’s considered the best ball-handler on the team.

Best Passer: Jalen Brunson

As the floor general for the Knicks, Jalen Brunson’s passing is crucial to the team's success. He averaged 6.7 assists per game last season, showcasing his ability to create for his teammates and run an efficient offense. Brunson excels in the pick-and-roll, where he has the vision to find open shooters or feed the ball to big men rolling to the basket.

What sets Brunson apart as a passer is his ability to make quick decisions under pressure. Whether it’s a no-look pass to a cutting teammate or a timely kick-out to an open shooter, Brunson consistently makes the right play. His leadership as a floor general and his ability to control the tempo of the game are vital for the Knicks’ offensive success, solidifying his status as the team's best passer.

Best Perimeter Defender: OG Anunoby

OG Anunoby has built a reputation as one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, and his arrival in New York solidifies the Knicks' defense. Anunoby’s 6’7" frame, combined with his 7’2" wingspan, allows him to guard multiple positions, from point guards to small forwards. Last season, Anunoby averaged 1.7 steals per game, showcasing his ability to disrupt passing lanes and force turnovers.

Anunoby's versatility allows him to switch onto smaller guards or bigger forwards without sacrificing defensive integrity. As the Knicks’ best perimeter defender, slightly ahead of Mikal Bridges, Anunoby will likely be tasked with guarding the opposing team's best wing player, bringing much-needed defensive toughness to the squad.

Best Post Defender: Julius Randle

Julius Randle’s physicality and size make him the Knicks’ best post defender. He may not be a traditional shot-blocker, but Randle uses his strength to hold his ground against bigger opponents and prevent easy baskets in the paint. Last season, Randle averaged 9.2 rebounds per game, often boxing out well and securing defensive boards to prevent second-chance opportunities.

Randle's versatility allows him to guard power forwards and centers effectively, using his strong lower body to push opponents off their spots. While not a shot-blocker like Robinson, Randle’s ability to defend one-on-one in the post is crucial for a Knicks team that lacks elite rim protection outside of Mitchell Robinson. His effort on defense and his ability to stay disciplined make him the best post defender on the roster.

Related: Ranking Golden State Warriors Players Into 14 Different Categories Ahead Of 2024-25 Season

Most Athletic: Julius Randle

Julius Randle’s combination of size, speed, and power makes him the most athletic player on the Knicks. Standing at 6’8" and weighing 250 pounds, Randle has the agility of a guard but the strength of a big man. His athleticism is most evident in transition, where he can grab a rebound, push the ball up the floor, and finish with authority at the rim.

Randle’s explosiveness also plays a significant role in his success as both a scorer and a rebounder. His ability to elevate over defenders for rebounds or to finish through contact in the paint makes him a difficult player to defend every game, and that won't change in 2024-25.

Worst Starter: Mitchell Robinson

While Mitchell Robinson excels defensively as an elite shot-blocker and rim protector, his offensive limitations make him the weakest starter on the Knicks. Last season, Robinson averaged 5.6 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, while shooting an efficient 57.5% from the field. However, his offensive game is incredibly one-dimensional, relying almost exclusively on lobs and putbacks.

He has virtually no mid-range game, and his free-throw shooting remains a liability, as he shot just 40.9% from the line last season. In an era where many centers can stretch the floor or at least be threats outside the paint, Robinson's lack of offensive versatility hinders the Knicks' spacing.

Best Role Player: Josh Hart

Josh Hart stands out as the Knicks’ best role player due to his versatility, energy, and unselfish play. Last season, Hart averaged 9.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. His ability to impact the game in so many different ways makes him the ultimate glue guy.

Whether it's crashing the boards (as a guard, no less), defending multiple positions, or hitting key shots, Hart does whatever the team needs at any given moment. His hustle and ability to play both on and off the ball make him a valuable asset in Tom Thibodeau’s system.

Most Clutch Player: Jalen Brunson

Jalen Brunson has proven time and again that he thrives in clutch situations, making him the Knicks’ most reliable closer. Last season, Brunson’s poise in crunch time was a major factor in the Knicks' success, as he consistently delivered in late-game scenarios. Last season, he averaged 3.5 clutch points per game which is higher than that of LeBron James and De'Aaron Fox among others.

In the 2023 playoffs, Brunson's clutch performances further solidified his reputation. He had several key moments, including a 44-point effort in Game 5 against the Indiana Pacers, helping to give the Knicks a 3-2 series lead in the second round of the playoffs. His ability to stay calm under pressure, combined with his excellent decision-making and scoring versatility, makes him the clear choice as the Knicks' most clutch player heading into the 2024-25 season.

Best Leader: Jalen Brunson

Jalen Brunson’s leadership on and off the court has been one of the driving forces behind the Knicks’ recent resurgence. As the team's floor general, Brunson leads by example through his work ethic, tenacity, and basketball IQ. Last season, Brunson averaged 28.7 points and 6.7 assists per game, showcasing his ability to lead the Knicks’ offense efficiently.

Off the court, Brunson is known for his professionalism and dedication to the game, earning the respect of his teammates and coaching staff. He’s often seen mentoring younger players and setting the tone for the team’s culture with his consistent approach to the game. Brunson will be the Knicks’ most important leader heading into the 2024-25 season, both in the locker room and during the heat of competition.

Related: 2024-25 New York Knicks Roster By Tiers

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