It’s hard to imagine anyone holding back Jalen Brunson, but that’s exactly what the New York Knicks are doing right now — and for good reason. Under new head coach Mike Brown, the Knicks are adopting a measured approach to their offense, one that prioritizes team balance over individual dominance.
Brunson is still the centerpiece, the conductor of New York’s attack, but Brown’s early strategy is to make sure everyone else finds their rhythm before Brunson fully takes over. It’s a long game rooted in trust and structure, and it may end up paying off when it matters most.
A patient approach to control
Last season, Brunson’s brilliance carried the Knicks through stretches when their offense sputtered. He was the engine, and at times, the only one keeping them moving forward. But that kind of dependence takes a toll — both physically and mentally. Brown’s goal is to spread that burden across the roster, giving role players and starters alike the confidence to make plays within the system before unleashing Brunson in full force.
“I haven’t really let Jalen go yet,” Brown said after practice this week. “But he’s trying to do what we’re asking him to do, so everybody’s on the same page and growing together. But he is definitely getting a feel for it.”
That quote says it all. The plan isn’t to limit Brunson’s impact, but to make sure his eventual dominance complements a well-rounded offense instead of compensating for its flaws.
Building a foundation before unleashing the star
Brown’s offensive philosophy is built on movement, spacing, and pace. He’s not reinventing the wheel, but he’s creating a system that demands everyone stay engaged. For Brunson, that means resisting his natural instinct to take over, at least for now, while teammates like Mikal Bridges, Karl-Anthony Towns, and OG Anunoby build chemistry around him.
It’s a little like a conductor holding back a soloist in rehearsal — not because they can’t handle the spotlight, but because the orchestra needs to learn to play in tune first. Once everyone’s rhythm aligns, Brunson’s lead will sound that much sharper.
The coaching staff’s patience also signals something bigger: confidence in their roster. They believe this team has enough talent to share the scoring load and enough discipline to stick to the plan until it clicks.
Brunson’s transformation and the bigger picture
Brunson has done his part to prepare for the shift. He’s trimmed down noticeably this offseason, focusing on improving stamina and endurance after carrying such a heavy offensive load last year. He’s always been a high-effort player, but the Knicks know he can’t keep absorbing that kind of workload deep into the season without burning out.
That’s why Brown’s minutes plan could be just as important as the new system itself. He’s expected to scale back playing time across the board, keeping his stars fresh for the long grind of the postseason. When April and May roll around, the leash comes off — and Brunson will be free to operate at full throttle with a rested, confident supporting cast around him.
Right now, it’s all about patience and process. The Knicks aren’t trying to change who Jalen Brunson is; they’re trying to build a system strong enough to make his greatness sustainable. Once Brown finally lets him “go,” as he put it, New York’s offense could look more fluid, more dangerous, and more complete than it ever has before.