Knicks Roster Competition Heats Up

Regarding the final spot on the Knicks roster, coach Mike Brown emphasized a focus on competition without any predetermined notions.

“Whether you’re here in a guaranteed deal or not, you’re going to compete hard,” Brown remarked after his inaugural practice as the Knicks’ head coach. “We’ve got plenty of time to figure things out. We understand who fits where, but it’s a process.”

“No one has an edge over anyone else.”

The Knicks are looking to fill two roster spots, notably under the hard cap, which restricts them to one veteran and one rookie acquisition.

Mohamed Diawara, this year’s second overall pick, is the only new addition to the team. Still, there are numerous veterans present in training camp, especially players with non-guaranteed contracts, like Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Chamett.

According to reports, Brogdon is expected to secure a place on the final roster. The Knicks could consider trades to create sufficient salary cap space for another veteran, with Garrison Matthews and Alex Len also in contention for spots.

Across the NBA, players like Pacom Dadiette and Miles McBride are garnering attention regarding potential trades from the Knicks.

There’s no rush for the Knicks to finalize their roster until the regular season kicks off in late October.

During practice, Josh Hart sported a splint on his ring finger after sustaining a shooting hand injury. He expressed that he has been dealing with complications from a previously repaired injury and plans to wait until the offseason for further surgery.

Hart, who was a starter throughout last season—well, until the playoffs—has shifted to a reserve role. On Wednesday, he wore a white jersey, pivotal for reserves, while Mitchell Robinson donned the traditional blue for starters. Brown—a coach still undecided on the fifth starter—assured this shift doesn’t imply much at the moment.