Questions for the Knicks on Media Day (UPDATED)

The New York Knicks are preparing for today’s Media Day, which officially kicks off the 2024-25 NBA season. This event begins at 11:00 a.m. EST at the Knicks’ practice facility and signals the conclusion of the offseason and the start of preparations for an exciting season. Here are the storylines we’ll be following throughout the day and week of training camp.

Watch the live feed here.

Trading Consequences

As you’ve heard, two faces will be glaringly missing from today’s event. This weekend, the Knicks finalized a deal to send Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to the Minnesota Timberwolves for All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns. This three-team trade (the Charlotte Hornets are co-hosts) is still being finalized.

Barring any strange incidents, Towns will join the Knicks after nine years in Minnesota, while DiVincenzo and Randle will strengthen the Timberwolves’ lineup. DiVincenzo was reportedly unhappy with a reduced role with the Knicks, and Randle is departing after five tumultuous seasons as a three-time All-Star. We’d like to hear some no-holds-barred opinions on the move from head coach Tom Thibodeau (who coached KAT in Minnesota) and the entire team, but we expect everyone to stay informed and keep their mouths shut.

UPDATE: Thibs cannot comment on KAT. . . .

But he was spotted at the facility!

And Josh Hart shared his thoughts on the trade during his time on the microphone.

Roster and staff presence

Most of the Knicks’ roster, including star point guard Jalen Brunson and head coach Tom Thibodeau, will be in attendance. One of our most anticipated moments will be seeing Mikal Bridges in a Knicks jersey for the first time.

In June, the Knicks acquired Bridges and a 2026 second-round pick from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Bojan Bogdanovic, multiple first-round picks and a pick swap. The trade reunites the indestructible 3&D wing with former Villanova championship-winning teammates (Brunson and Josh Hart), strengthening their roster and boosting their championship hopes. The move sparked debate over whether the Knicks overpaid, but Bridges gives the Knicks an important tool to compete against the Eastern Conference’s top rivals, the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers.

Who starts? Who is in the second unit?

Certain players are locked out for opening night: Brunson will be a general, Bridges will run and shoot alongside him, and OG Anunoby will play one of the forward positions. But will Thibs keep Josh Hart in the starting lineup or use him off the bench? Will KAT be the focus, at least until Mitchell Robinson returns (if that even happens)? Or will Precious Achiuwa play with the front five as PF or C?

We’re also sure Miles “Deuce” McBride will get plenty of playing time this season, especially now that Donte DiVincenzo is no longer on the roster. McBride should have a great chance to try Sixth Man of the Year. However, aside from Jericho Sims at center, we’re not yet sure who will accompany Deuce in the second unit. Are rookies Tyler Kolek and Pacome Dadiet ready for NBA minutes? Will newcomers Kevin McCullar Jr. and Ariel Hukporti surprise us? There won’t be any answers on Monday, but these are storylines to follow in training camp and preseason ball.

Rookie introductions

Tyler Kolek was selected 34th overall by the Knicks in this year’s NBA Draft and will make his first appearance at Media Day. He was a driving force in Summer League and we’re excited to see how the rookie fits into the team’s future plans.

Kolek began his college career at George Mason, where he earned the Atlantic 10 name Rookie of the Yearaveraged 10.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game before transferring to Marquette. Known for his playmaking and shooting, he will compete with veteran Cam Payne (acquired from New York this summer) for leadership of the second unit.

Other rookies we hope to hear from today: Pacome Dadiet (25th pick), Kevin McCullar Jr. (56th), and Ariel Hukporti (58th).

Is OG Anunoby healthy? Will he buy lunch?

This summer, OG Anunoby signed a five-year, $212.5 million contract extension with New York. The deal, which includes a fully guaranteed salary and a 15% trade bonus, includes an escalating salary structure starting at $36.6 million in 2024-25 and ending at $48.4 million (with player option). achieved in 2028–29.

This extension represents a significant raise for Anunoby, a top defender and damn good shooter who came to the Knicks last season via trade from the Toronto Raptors (bye RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley). Given his injury history, we’ll be monitoring OG’s health today and throughout the season – and perhaps inquiring about a loan or two.

The Knicks begin their preseason on Sunday, October 6th against the Charlotte Hornets. This gives them a week to work together as a team during training camp. With a few new faces, returning stars and the looming excitement of Karl-Anthony Towns joining the roster, the 2024-25 season should be a breeze.

Come on, curtsy!