In a season where the New York Knicks are striving to establish themselves as a serious contender in the Eastern Conference, one glaring issue continues to hold them back: rebounding. Despite boasting a roster with promising talent, including Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson, and Mitchell Robinson, the Knicks have struggled mightily on the boards, particularly on the defensive end.
While the team has had flashes of brilliance, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that their inability to secure rebounds consistently is a major Achilles’ heel. In fact, the Knicks rank among the bottom tier of the league in total rebounds per game, which undermines their defensive prowess and often leads to extended possessions for their opponents.
A Team with No Identity in the Paint
The Knicks have been reliant on their defense and gritty play, but their inability to dominate the glass forces them to play with a constant sense of urgency. The absence of a clear identity in the paint is a concern for a team that’s supposed to be built on toughness. Mitchell Robinson, one of the NBA’s better shot-blockers, has shown flashes of brilliance, but his inconsistency on the glass is a huge problem. While he’s capable of putting up solid rebounding numbers, there are games where he disappears or gets boxed out by smaller players, which leads to second-chance points.
Moreover, Julius Randle, who often plays the role of a primary rebounder, hasn’t been able to consistently make up for the Knicks’ deficiencies. His propensity to focus more on scoring than securing boards, particularly on the defensive glass, leaves New York vulnerable to opponents who can capitalize on offensive rebounds and extended possessions. It’s telling when the Knicks’ collective effort on the glass becomes a liability, and Randle, despite his talent, can’t always be counted on to make the necessary impact in this area.
Small-Ball Isn’t the Answer
With teams across the league adopting a small-ball approach to create more space on the floor, the Knicks have tried to adjust by deploying lineups with more perimeter players. However, this has come at the expense of their rebounding, as they don’t have the same physicality inside to fight for boards. The absence of a true power forward or center who can anchor the paint consistently has left them at a severe disadvantage, particularly against teams with elite rebounders or imposing big men like the Milwaukee Bucks (Giannis Antetokounmpo) or the Cleveland Cavaliers (Evan Mobley).
The Knicks’ attempts to go smaller have often led to mismatches that further compound their rebounding woes. It’s no secret that New York has been hurt by the loss of solid frontcourt players in recent years. While head coach Tom Thibodeau continues to tweak his lineups, the absence of a reliable big to anchor the defense and grab boards is becoming a consistent theme in their losses. The Knicks simply don’t have the size or depth inside to keep up with other teams when it comes to controlling the paint, and it’s a major flaw in their overall game.
The Front Office Needs to Act
The problem is one that can no longer be ignored. While head coach Tom Thibodeau’s defensive schemes have often made the Knicks a difficult team to break down, the lack of rebounding depth is making those schemes less effective. For Thibodeau’s defensive system to work, the team must consistently get the ball back after missed shots, something that has been a challenge all season long.
It’s clear that this problem will need to be addressed by the front office. The Knicks cannot continue to ignore the fact that they’re routinely outmuscled and outworked on the glass, particularly when teams with elite big men come to town. The front office must be proactive in acquiring a strong rebounder—whether through trade or the draft—who can provide much-needed help in the paint.
There’s no shortage of viable options in the market for a team willing to make a move. A player like Clint Capela, who is an elite rebounder and rim protector, could provide an instant upgrade to the Knicks’ interior. Alternatively, if they look to the draft, they may be able to secure a young big man who can grow into a dominant force on the glass over time.
The Consequences of Inaction
If the Knicks don’t address their rebounding issues soon, they risk falling into mediocrity once again. As long as they remain one of the worst rebounding teams in the NBA, their potential to compete with the top-tier teams in the East will be limited. While they have solid defensive schemes, they cannot expect to out-defend opponents without securing the ball after a miss.
Furthermore, rebounding is not just a defensive issue. Offensive rebounds can create second-chance opportunities that can swing games. In a tight playoff series, a team’s ability to grab key offensive boards can be the difference between advancing and falling short. The Knicks, if they want to become a serious playoff contender, need to rethink their rebounding strategy and bring in the personnel necessary to address this issue head-on.
Conclusion: The Knicks’ Rebounding Problem Is an Existential Crisis
For the New York Knicks, rebounding is not just a statistical issue—it’s a matter of survival. Their struggle on the boards represents a larger systemic issue that continues to haunt them in their pursuit of sustained success. Until they can find a solution, whether through player acquisition or a change in their approach, they will remain a team with untapped potential, unable to break through the ceiling that separates contenders from pretenders.
In the end, the Knicks’ rebounding problem is more than just a flaw—it’s a potential season-killer, and one that the front office must urgently address. Without a tangible solution, this problem could continue to thwart the Knicks’ quest for relevance in the Eastern Conference.