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New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown during a game against the Phoenix Suns in January 2026
The New York Knicks are approaching a decisive stage of the season as the Eastern Conference playoff race continues to tighten.
Despite flashes of strong form, the Knicks have struggled to maintain consistent momentum. After briefly putting together a three-game winning streak, New York has since dropped three of its last five contests.
The team now sits third in the Eastern Conference at 42-25, with the Boston Celtics firmly holding second place and the Cleveland Cavaliers just 1.5 games behind in fourth.
While the focus remains on securing playoff positioning, the organization is also beginning to look ahead to an offseason that could play an important role in shaping the next phase of the roster.
New York Knicks Weighing Long-Term Roster Options
The Knicks will reportedly monitor the Giannis Antetokounmpo situation closely should the opportunity to pursue the Milwaukee Bucks superstar arise.
However, beyond the high-profile speculation, the front office may ultimately pursue more sustainable avenues to strengthen the roster.
For a franchise aiming to build a long-term contender, the NBA Draft offers a practical path to adding young, affordable talent while maintaining financial flexibility.
New York controls its own 2026 first-round pick and is currently projected to select near the end of the round.
In his latest mock draft, ESPN analyst Jeremy Woo projected the Knicks selecting Michigan big man Morez Johnson Jr. with the 27th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Through 31 games this season, Johnson is averaging 13.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.1 blocks while shooting an efficient 64.3% from the field and 41.7% from three-point range, albeit on limited attempts.
“It’s been a strong season for Johnson, who has worked his way up draft boards with consistent play and a willingness to do the dirty work,” Woo wrote. “His strong frame and 7-foot-2 wingspan allow him to play bigger than his size (6-9), and he’s shown the ability to guard 4s and 5s.”
“With NBA teams pivoting back toward double-big lineups, Johnson should have long-term utility and provide immediate depth.”
Morez Johnson Jr. Emerging as Intriguing Draft Prospect
Johnson began his college career at Illinois, where he averaged 7.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks as a freshman before a wrist injury ended his season in February 2025.
He later transferred to Michigan, where his development has taken a significant step forward.
Johnson’s defensive versatility and physical presence could appeal to a Knicks team looking to strengthen its frontcourt depth moving forward.
At just 20-years-old, he combines maturity with long-term upside, a profile that fits a team searching for players who can contribute quickly while still developing into larger roles.
“Johnson is one of my favorite players in college basketball,” The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie recently wrote. “He’s a tough rebounder who is physical on the interior and crashes with his long arms.”
“He’s tremendous as a post defender, flying around in help and showcasing switchability on the perimeter… an incredibly versatile player on that end.”
Vecenie also noted concerns about Johnson’s size for an interior role but compared his profile to Detroit Pistons big man Isaiah Stewart, who has successfully carved out an NBA career.
The Knicks also own the Washington Wizards’ first-round pick, though it carries protections for selections 1-8. If the pick lands within that range, which is likely, New York would instead receive Washington’s second-round picks in 2026 and 2027.
For a New York Knicks team balancing playoff ambitions with long-term roster planning, high-energy prospects like Johnson could represent a sensible addition by reinforcing the frontcourt while adding affordable depth for the future.
Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, based in Paris, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA and wider global sport. More about Matt Evans
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