The Knicks are heading into training camp with several interesting storylines to watch, according to insights shared by Stefan Bondy.
Best battle
While the starting lineup seems pretty settled and the bench rotation is largely defined, there’s still at least one roster position that’s up for grabs. The Knicks have brought in five experienced NBA players on nonguaranteed contracts—Bruce Brown, John Konchar, James Wiseman, Drew Eubanks, and Ochai Agbaji—to compete during training camp. This is reminiscent of last year’s competition among Landry Shamet, Malcolm Brogdon, and Garrison Mathews.
If no trade occurs to clear cap space before the season, the Knicks likely can only retain one of these players while staying below the second apron. Given their need at center, Wiseman and Eubanks seem to be in a better position. However, either Konchar or Brown could impress enough to prompt Leon Rose to consider a cap-clearing trade, potentially involving moving Pacôme Dadiet.
Story to watch develop
There are three contract situations to keep an eye on: Miles McBride, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Josh Hart have all been eligible for extensions for quite some time but have yet to sign anything. Towns is reportedly unlikely to finalize a deal before the season starts, with suggestions that he’s being asked to take a sizable pay cut from his max of $276 million. While Hart seems committed to New York, he holds a team option in his current contract for the 2027-28 season, which means the Knicks aren’t in a hurry to negotiate until there’s a mutual benefit. McBride, on the other hand, might have the most pressing need for an extension, yet he’s considered a long shot since his contract doesn’t carry any options and he’ll enter free agency after the season without an extended agreement.
Coach’s toughest challenge
Mike Brown’s biggest obstacle might be keeping the Knicks motivated after winning the championship. He knows the importance of avoiding complacency, having been part of the Warriors’ coaching staff during their back-to-back title runs in 2017 and 2018. It’s essential that the team maintains that hungry mentality.
Most intriguing rookie
There’s not much anticipation surrounding Tyler Nickel, the second-round pick who will likely play in the G-League, yet his promising performance in the Summer League has sparked some hope about his potential as a 6-foot-7 three-point shooter.
Most intriguing newcomer
Andre Drummond stands out as the only new rotational player on the team, serving as a vital component given that he’s one of only two natural frontcourt players currently under contract. The Knicks will need Drummond to be productive; while he has improved his shooting, he has lost a bit of his quickness over the years.
Most notable absence
Mitchell Robinson has left the Knicks due to salary cap constraints, as owner James Dolan opted not to extend beyond the second apron, resulting in his departure to Boston. His absence will be felt since no one on the current roster can replicate his rebounding skills and rim protection. However, it might ease some concerns regarding injuries and free-throw shooting.
Biggest comeback
Miles McBride had a stellar performance last season until he underwent surgery for a sports hernia, and he returned too quickly, impacting his playoff performance. Now, he enters training camp fully healthy, which is significant considering this might be a contract year for him. He also has to reclaim his position as the primary guard off the bench, particularly after Shamet’s standout playoff showing.
Don’t be surprised if…
The Knicks’ starters spend minimal time on the court during preseason games. Given their veteran experience, while rust could be a concern following a long break, chemistry isn’t an issue. They already understand their roles and strengths, so extra preseason minutes might not alter that dynamic.
