New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown has addressed questions regarding Mikal Bridges’ starting role following a difficult beginning to the 2026-27 season. Speculation about a potential benching arose after Bridges spent the fourth quarter on the bench during Wednesday’s matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Mike Brown Resists Early Changes
Addressing the media after the game, Brown stated that he has no intention of making a rushed adjustment based on the early-season sample size. The coach emphasized that the veteran forward possesses a strong history of success as a starter.
“Mikal has a proven track record of playing at a pretty high level as a starter in this league,” Brown said as reported by Bleacher Report. “For me to make a ‘panic decision’ and change it right now, 10 games in or whatever we are, I’m not feeling it.”
Minute Distribution Challenges
Brown acknowledged that the impressive performances of reserves Landry Shamet and Deuce McBride have created a competitive environment for playing time. This depth has complicated the rotation decisions for the coaching staff.
“Part of it is you have two guys that are playing really well in Landy and Deuce, so it’s gonna be hard to find minutes at times for Mikal, and maybe at times for Josh (Hart),” Brown explained. “Because those two guys are playing at a pretty high level. Not just on the offensive side of the floor but defensively too.”
Bridges is currently averaging 6.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per contest, while converting 32.9 percent of his total field goal attempts and 26.5 percent from beyond the arc. These statistics put him on track for career lows across multiple statistical measures.
While his overall average stands at 25.1 minutes per contest this season, that figure dropped to 20.8 minutes over the team’s previous five outings.
Bridges continues to work through his on-court challenges while retaining his spot in the opening lineup for the time being.
