As the New York Knicks continue to build momentum toward the playoffs, there’s a growing concern among fans and analysts alike: Should Knicks fans worry about the starters’ mileage going into the postseason? It’s a valid question, especially as the grind of the regular season begins to take its toll on the team’s core players.
The Knicks have been one of the most consistent teams in the Eastern Conference this season, thanks to the stellar performances of Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson, and RJ Barrett. But with playoff intensity approaching, the stakes get even higher. While the team has been playing well overall, the heavy minutes logged by the starters—particularly Randle and Brunson—are raising some serious concerns. Let’s dive into why this might be an issue and how it could affect their playoff run.
The Workhorse: Julius Randle
Julius Randle has been the heart of the Knicks’ offense all season. After a breakout year in 2020-21, Randle had his fair share of ups and downs in the following seasons. But this year? He’s been back to All-Star form, averaging around 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists per game while leading the Knicks in minutes. Randle has been a workhorse for head coach Tom Thibodeau, logging heavy minutes night after night. As of late March, Randle has played an average of 37 minutes per game, one of the highest totals in the league for a forward.
While his durability and resilience have been impressive, the heavy workload could eventually become a double-edged sword. Randle has had moments where his shot selection and defensive intensity have waned, likely due to fatigue. If the Knicks want to make a serious playoff run, they need a fresh and focused Randle, not one who’s burned out by the time the postseason arrives. With the intensity of playoff basketball, a well-rested and rejuvenated Randle could be the difference between a first-round exit and a deep playoff push.
Jalen Brunson: The Heartbeat of the Offense
Jalen Brunson has been the Knicks’ rock this season, filling a major void at the point guard position that the team has struggled to address for years. Since his arrival from Dallas, Brunson has been everything the Knicks could’ve hoped for and more. Averaging around 23 points and 6 assists per game, Brunson has been both a scorer and a playmaker, providing steady leadership and clutch performances in key moments.
However, Brunson’s minutes have also been sky-high, averaging around 36 minutes per game. For a player like Brunson, whose style of play often requires quick bursts of energy and constant movement, those heavy minutes could catch up with him in a postseason series that’s bound to be grueling. If Brunson’s workload continues at its current pace, Knicks fans could see a drop-off in his efficiency and decision-making in the playoffs.
Thibodeau’s coaching style, while effective in the regular season, is known for pushing his players to the limit when it comes to minutes. The concern for Brunson and the Knicks is whether he can maintain his high level of play throughout a long playoff series without burning out.
RJ Barrett: Consistency in the Spotlight
RJ Barrett has been a reliable contributor for the Knicks all season. He’s had his ups and downs, but for the most part, the young wing has been consistent, providing scoring and defense. Averaging around 20 points per game with solid rebounding and playmaking, Barrett’s role on the team is essential for spacing and maintaining balance in the starting lineup.
Unlike Randle and Brunson, Barrett hasn’t had to shoulder as much of the offensive load, which has kept his minutes somewhat more manageable. That said, Barrett has still been playing close to 34 minutes per game, which is no small feat for a young player still finding his way. The question is whether Barrett can continue to step up when the pressure increases in the postseason. If he’s fatigued by the time the playoffs roll around, it could impact his ability to provide the scoring punch the Knicks need, especially in critical moments of tight games.
Thibodeau’s Style: A Double-Edged Sword
The one common denominator among the Knicks’ starters is Tom Thibodeau’s coaching style. Known for running his players into the ground during the regular season, Thibodeau has relied heavily on his core group of players. The Knicks don’t have the same depth as some of the other teams in the league, and it’s clear that Thibodeau has trusted his starters to play heavy minutes in order to get wins. While this has worked to the team’s advantage during the regular season, there’s a real concern that this approach may be risky as the postseason approaches.
In the playoffs, the game slows down, the intensity ramps up, and every possession becomes more important. The Knicks will need fresh legs to compete at the highest level. Depth will be crucial, especially when facing teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, or Philadelphia 76ers, who all have multiple All-Star-caliber players who can step in and take over when needed. If Thibodeau doesn’t adjust his rotation and manage his starters’ minutes, the Knicks could find themselves overmatched, even with their talented starting five.
The Road Ahead: Managing Minutes for Playoff Success
So, should Knicks fans worry about their starters’ mileage going into the playoffs? The short answer is yes, but there’s hope.
One of the key factors for the Knicks’ playoff success will be whether Thibodeau can make the necessary adjustments in his rotation. The good news is that the Knicks have some talented role players who could provide relief for their stars. Players like Immanuel Quickley, Josh Hart, and Isaiah Hartenstein have proven capable of contributing in a big way. Quickley, in particular, has shown he can step up in big moments, and his ability to handle the ball and score off the bench will be critical in lightening the load for Brunson and Randle.
The team’s depth will be tested in the coming weeks, but if Thibodeau can manage minutes effectively, the Knicks have the pieces to make a deep run in the playoffs. The key will be balancing regular-season success with the need for fresh legs and a healthy, energized team come playoff time.
Conclusion
As the Knicks head into the playoffs, the heavy minutes logged by Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson, and RJ Barrett are undoubtedly a concern. With a deep playoff run on the horizon, managing fatigue and prioritizing rest will be crucial. Thibodeau has a decision to make: Can he continue to trust his starters to carry the load, or will he adjust his rotations to ensure his team is fresh and ready for the postseason grind?
Ultimately, the Knicks’ playoff fate may depend on how well they manage their starters’ mileage in the final stretch of the regular season. But with the right balance and a little help from their supporting cast, Knicks fans can hold onto hope that the team’s best basketball is still ahead of them.
