The New York Knicks are reshaping their roster with one goal in mind: go deeper. After ranking dead last in bench scoring last season, the front office has already added Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele—and they’re perhaps not done yet.
With Mike Brown now at the helm, the Knicks are actively exploring backcourt options. One of the most intriguing names still on the market? Former No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz.
An idea recently floated by Dean Simon of Sporting News, Fultz stands out as a low-risk, high-upside target who could help stabilize New York’s second unit. Here’s why he could be a smart fit—and why Mike Brown might be the key to unlocking him.
Why Fultz Might Still Have Something to Offer the Knicks
Fultz, once selected first overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, is looking for his next shot after a quiet run with the Sacramento Kings last season—where he averaged just 2.9 points and 1.3 assists in 8.8 minutes per game across 21 appearances.
That stint might’ve gone unnoticed, but one key detail shouldn’t: Mike Brown was coaching the Kings at the time.
While their brief pairing didn’t turn into a breakout, Brown has long been known as a player development coach. From turning G-League guys into rotation players with the Golden State Warriors to leading the Sacramento Kings back to the playoffs, he knows how to build systems that unlock under-the-radar talent. Fultz could be next.
Flashes of the Old Fultz
Injuries derailed the start of Fultz’s career, but between 2019 and 2024, he rebuilt his game in Orlando. The 2022–23 season was arguably his best: 14.0 points, 5.7 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.5 steals on 51.4% shooting over 60 games.
He defended at a high level, limited turnovers, and brought energy to a young Orlando Magic team still finding its identity. Those glimpses of his potential were encouraging—and with the right structure, there’s reason to believe he can still make an impact.
The Fit in New York Makes Sense
This current Knicks squad is top-heavy—built around Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and two-way wings like Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby.
They have star power, but behind Brunson and Miles McBride, there’s a void in the second unit. Fultz’s size, defense, and playmaking could fill that gap without disrupting the team’s core.
And with Brown already endorsing his new additions—”Jordan Clarkson… better playmaker than given credit… Guerschon… can play the 4 and the 5—maybe the 3″—it’s clear he values versatility and upside. Fultz brings both.
Knicks’ Low-Risk, High-Reward Move?
For a Knicks team with legitimate championship ambitions, the move makes too much sense. On a vet minimum, Fultz could provide reliable depth, perimeter defense, and calm second-unit orchestration.
If he returns to even a portion of his Orlando form? The Knicks may have landed a rotation piece without giving up assets.
The tools are still there. The coach who believes in him is already in place. Now it’s just a matter of whether New York gives him the call.
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