Throughout their playoff run, the New York Knicks held several players-only meetings, an unusually high number by league standards, according to reporting from Fred Katz and James L. Edwards of The Athletic.
While such meetings are not uncommon in the NBA, the frequency with which the Knicks convened privately, without coaches or team personnel, was considered noteworthy and reflective of underlying tension within the roster.
Veteran forward P.J. Tucker led one particularly significant meeting following a blowout 25-point loss to the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of the first round.
According to sources, Tucker felt the team was not approaching the potential elimination game with the proper intensity and focus, prompting the impromptu session to reset expectations and accountability among teammates.
Tucker had been added to the Knicks’ roster late in the season, not only for his veteran presence on the court but also to enhance communication and cohesion within the locker room.
Initially, the front office debated whether to use the final roster spot on a player who could contribute on the court or someone who could provide leadership off of it, ultimately landing on Tucker as a blend of both.
Another players-only meeting occurred during the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Indiana Pacers, a series the Knicks eventually lost in six games.
These meetings, while seen as attempts to foster unity and resolve issues internally, were also indicative of a season marked by internal strain.
One example of that friction surfaced in March when Mikal Bridges publicly voiced frustration over his heavy workload, saying he was logging too many minutes.
According to team insiders, Bridges’ remarks were not well-received by members of the coaching staff and contributed to the growing disconnect between some players and the team’s leadership.
Knicks Held Multiple Players-Only Meetings Throughout Playoffs https://t.co/vQrZfcZZ6n
— RealGM (@RealGM) June 1, 2025
