The New York Knicks’ recent championship victory isn’t just a triumph for the franchise—it’s a masterclass in the importance of depth in the modern NBA. As someone who’s watched this league evolve over decades, I can’t help but feel that the Philadelphia 76ers, mired in their own title drought, should be taking notes. But here’s the thing: it’s not just about copying the Knicks’ playbook. It’s about understanding the why behind their success and applying it in a way that fits the Sixers’ unique context.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how the Knicks’ bench players became unsung heroes during their playoff run. Landry Shamet, Jose Alvarado, Miles McBride—these aren’t household names, but they delivered when it mattered most. Personally, I think this highlights a broader trend in the NBA: championships aren’t won by superstars alone; they’re won by teams. And yet, so many franchises, including the Sixers, still fall into the trap of over-relying on their starters.
Take Nick Nurse’s approach this past season. Tyrese Maxey averaged a staggering 38 minutes per game—a workload that’s simply unsustainable in today’s fast-paced league. From my perspective, this isn’t just a coaching mistake; it’s a philosophical one. The Knicks learned this the hard way under Tom Thibodeau, whose starter-heavy strategy left the team gassed in the playoffs. Mike Brown’s arrival marked a shift, and the results speak for themselves.
One thing that immediately stands out is how Brown’s philosophy mirrors that of Steve Kerr and Gregg Popovich—coaches who understand that a deep bench isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. What many people don’t realize is that this approach isn’t just about physical rest; it’s about keeping players mentally engaged. Josh Hart’s candid admission about questioning his own abilities when benched is a perfect example. It’s uncomfortable, but it forces growth—something the Sixers’ reserves haven’t been allowed to experience.
If you take a step back and think about it, the Sixers’ trade of Jared McCain to the Thunder is a microcosm of their larger issue. McCain, once a Rookie of the Year favorite, was stifled in Philadelphia but thrived in Oklahoma City. This raises a deeper question: Are the Sixers failing to develop talent, or are they failing to trust it? In my opinion, it’s a bit of both.
The Knicks’ success wasn’t just about having a deep bench; it was about creating an environment where players like Shamet and McBride felt empowered to step up. A detail that I find especially interesting is how Brown wasn’t afraid to shake up his rotations, even if it meant benching starters. This kind of unpredictability keeps everyone on their toes—a stark contrast to Nurse’s rigid approach.
What this really suggests is that the Sixers need a cultural shift. They can’t just sign a few bench players and call it a day. They need to foster a system where reserves are given opportunities to fail, learn, and grow. With Paul George and Joel Embiid in the lineup, the Sixers will always be top-heavy, but that doesn’t mean their bench has to be an afterthought.
Looking ahead, I’m curious to see how new team president Mike Gansey approaches this. His work in Cleveland shows he understands the value of depth, but replicating that in Philly won’t be easy. The Sixers’ championship drought isn’t just about star power—it’s about building a team that can withstand the grind of an 82-game season and a two-month playoff run.
In the end, the Knicks’ title isn’t just a lesson for the Sixers; it’s a reminder for the entire league. Championships are won by collectives, not individuals. Personally, I think the Sixers have the talent to compete, but until they embrace this philosophy, they’ll remain on the outside looking in. The question is: Are they willing to change?
