Javon Small Steps Into Spotlight as Knicks Embrace Bold New Lineup Shift
It’s been quite the shake-up for the New York Knicks, and the name everyone’s suddenly talking about isn’t just Jalen Brunson or Karl-Anthony Towns — it’s Javon Small. The young guard has found himself in the middle of head coach Mike Brown’s bold new lineup experiment, one that’s quickly redefining how this Knicks team looks and plays.
So, here’s what’s going on — Mike Brown decided to mix things up ahead of the matchup against the Celtics. Instead of going with a traditional big-man-heavy lineup, he opted for a more agile and guard-driven approach. This meant slotting Javon Small — a player who’s been steadily proving himself — into a more prominent role, alongside stars like Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Towns. The result? A 105–95 victory that looked as modern as it was efficient.
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The decision wasn’t random. Brown pointed out that the Celtics’ smaller, quicker lineup called for versatility and speed, not size and bulk. “Everybody on the floor can make plays for themselves and for their teammates,” Brown explained after the win. “They all have to be guarded, and defensively, they’re all interchangeable.” It’s that fluidity — the ability to switch, press, and space the floor — that’s becoming the Knicks’ new identity.
For Javon Small, this was an opportunity seized. He logged solid minutes, contributing both offensively and defensively with the kind of calm energy coaches love. Much like what we’ve seen from Miles McBride recently, Small’s focus on defense first has been a defining trait. He’s not out there to simply rack up stats — he’s setting the tone, bringing hustle, and showing that he belongs in a system that values intensity as much as talent.
The Knicks have been emphasizing balance under Brown — every player has a role, every possession has purpose. And while the stars continue to shine, it’s these emerging contributors like Small who give this roster its real depth. Brown’s willingness to rotate heavily and trust his bench — often going 10 or even 11 deep — reflects that mindset.
With Mitchell Robinson still being carefully managed due to ankle issues, it’s been up to others to step up, and players like Small have done exactly that. Brown even started awarding a “Defensive Player of the Game” honor after each match — a nod to the team’s commitment to grit.
At this rate, Javon Small could carve out a key role in this new Knicks era — not just as a reliable spark plug, but as one of the faces of a system that thrives on adaptability and effort. If he keeps this up, he may not just be part of the rotation — he could be part of the reason New York’s new formula actually works.
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