Questions for the Knicks on Media Day [UPDATED]

Kicking off the 2024-25 season with a lot of uncertainty.

The New York Knicks are gearing up for today’s Media Day, which officially kicks off the 2024-25 NBA season. Starting at 11 AM EST at the Knicks practice facility, this event signals the conclusion of the offseason and the start of preparations for what promises to be an exciting season. Here are the storylines we will follow throughout the day and the upcoming week of training camp.

Watch the live feed here.

Trade Aftermath

As you’ve heard, two faces will be glaringly absent at today’s event. This weekend, the Knicks set in motion 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-facilitating) is still being finalized.

Barring any bizarre hiccups, 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 on the Knicks, and Randle departs after five tumultuous seasons as a three-time All-Star. We’d love to hear some unfettered opinions about the move from head coach Tom Thibodeau (who coached KAT in Minnesota) and the gang, but expect everyone to stay on message and tight-lipped.

UPDATE: Thibs can’t comment on KAT. . . .

But he’s been spotted at the facility!

And Josh Hart shared his thoughts about the trade during his time at the mic.

Roster and Staff Presence

Most of the Knicks roster, including star point guard Jalen Brunson, and head coach Tom Thibodeau, will be present. One of our most anticipated moments will be seeing Mikal Bridges in a Knicks uniform 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), strengthens their roster, and boosts their championship hopes. The move sparked debate over whether the Knicks overpaid, but Bridges gives the Knicks an important tool to combat top Eastern Conference rivals, the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers.

Who Starts? Who’s in the Second-Unit?

Certain players are locks to start on opening night: Brunson will be floor general, Bridges will run and gun alongside him, and OG Anunoby will play one of the forward positions. But will Thibs keep Josh Hart in with the starters, or employ him off the bench? Will KAT be slotted at center, at least until Mitchell Robinson returns (if that even happens)? Or will Precious Achiuwa play with the first five as PF or C?

Another thing we are sure of is that Miles “Deuce” McBride will get a significant amount of playing time this season, especially now that Donte DiVincenzo is off the roster. McBride should have a great opportunity to try for Sixth Man of the Year. Aside from Jericho Sims in the center spot, however, we remain fuzzy about who will accompany Deuce on the second unit. Are rookies Tyler Kolek and Pacome Dadiet ready for NBA minutes? Will fellow newbies Kevin McCullar, Jr. and Ariel Hukporti’s surprise us? Answers won’t come on Monday, but these are storylines to follow through training camp and preseason ball.

Rookie Introductions

Selected 34th by the Knicks in this year’s NBA Draft, Tyler Kolek will be making his first appearance at Media Day. He was a dishing dynamo at Summer League and we are eager to see how the rookie fits into the team’s plans moving forward.

Kolek began his college career at George Mason, where he was named Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year, averaging 10.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, before transferring to Marquette. Known for his playmaking and shooting, he will be competing with veteran Cam Payne (acquired by 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, features an increasing salary structure, starting at $36.6 million in 2024-25 and reaching $48.4 million (with a player option) in 2028-29.

This extension marks a significant pay increase for Anunoby, a top defender and damn-fine shooter who joined the Knicks last season via a trade from the Toronto Raptors (bye-bye RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley). Given his injury history, we will monitor OG’s health today and all season-long—and may inquire about a loan or two.

The Knicks will kick off their preseason on Sunday, October 6, against the Charlotte Hornets. That gives them a week to gel as a team in training camp. With a few new faces, returning stars, and the looming excitement of Karl-Anthony Towns joining the squad, the 2024-25 season is shaping up to be a doozy.

Go Knicks!