Knicks 2024-25 training camp breakdown: Roster battles, rookies and newcomers

The Post’s Stefan Bondy breaks down the Knicks’ top storylines heading into training camp.Barring a surprise, the starting lineup seems pretty set: PG Jalen Brunson, SG Mikal Bridges, SF Josh Hart, PF OG Anunoby, C Karl-Anthony Towns.That’s a small lineup with no rim protection but maximizes the talent with the roster’s five best players. So the best battles in camp will be for the reserve minutes.

Assuming Miles McBride is the sixth man, that leaves opportunities to win playing time for Precious Achiuwa, Jericho Sims, Tyler Kolek, Cam Payne and Landry Shamet.Who will impress in Charleston? Everything involving Towns.

It’s one thing when a player joins a new team in the summer, but it’s quite another level of adjustment — both on and off the court — when the trade is a roster-shifting blockbuster completed just days before training camp.A similar move involving Dame Lillard to Milwaukee last year didn’t go well.

He was relocated on the eve of training camp, lost focus, couldn’t get comfortable and struggled mightily.Conversely, Jrue Holiday was sent to Boston under similar circumstances and won a title. Towns, 28, played his entire career in Minnesota, and now he’s reuniting with a coach he once criticized for hampering player development.

Towns’ fit in the system, the culture and the locker room will be worth monitoring from Day 1. Adjusting and reimagining the defense.Assuming Towns plays center until Mitchell Robinson returns (which could be a while), the Knicks won’t have a rim-protecting presence and the paint will be vulnerable.It goes against the philosophies and schemes that made Tom Thibodeau’s defenses successful in New York.

The team also sacrificed depth in the trade, making health of the starters more of a priority. The Knicks’ faith in Tyler Kolek can be measured in money.They gave the rookie $9 million over four years, including $6.6 million guaranteed — an NBA record for a second-round pick.

Kolek responded ...