The Post's Brian Lewis breaks down the Knicks' top stories heading into training camp.
best fight
The point guard decision between Ben Simmons and Dennis Schroder will be more of a battle than a health issue for Simmons.
but Dorian Finney-Smith, Cam Johnson (when he's not playing small forward), and Noah Clowney (when he's not backing up Nic Claxton) are either or both of the two veterans. Unless dealt, he will very likely clash for a few minutes at power forward. .
A story to watch for development
Simmons is the No. 1, 2, and 3 story of training camp.
The only All-Star on Brooklyn's roster, he has missed 189 of 246 games over the past three seasons.
And his absence greatly affected the Nets' win-loss record.
His health and potential return will continue to be a hot topic throughout camp after undergoing his second discectomy in the past three years.
Coach's toughest challenge
Jordi Fernandes is a rookie coach taking over a bad team.
Everything will be a challenge.
The Spaniard must build a winning culture in the locker room while the organization is busy.
It's a dichotomy, and it's already started, but it really starts with Tuesday's camp.
Newcomer attracting the most attention
There's nothing in Brooklyn.
The Nets have a lot of future draft assets, but they didn't make a single pick in June's draft.
Yeah, two-way Jalen Martin. Yongxi Cui and Yongxi Cui are technically NBA rookies, but both have been professional players for years, with Martin playing for the Overtime Elite and Westchester Knicks and Choi playing for the Guangzhou Lone Lions. He was also named CBA's Rookie of the Year.
He can't be a rookie twice, right?
The most intriguing newcomer
Sure, the most proven player is Bojan Bogdanovic, and Choi has some geopolitical intrigue, but Giare Williams is still just 22 years old, a 2021 lottery pick, and has looked solid in summer workouts. Ta.
His combination of youth and strong performance makes him an interesting addition, at least for a team that is rebuilding.
Most notable absence
Mikal Bridges' departure across the East River to the Garden, and a pick swap for an incredible five first-round picks plucked from the Nets by the arch-rival Knicks, rebuilt this team, and their It will determine the future.
However, Bridges was Brooklyn's best all-around player, top defender on the perimeter, and Brooklyn's second-leading scorer. His 19.6 points and 15.5 shots will be missed.
biggest comeback
Simmons' next game will be the preseason opener against the Clippers on Oct. 8, or at a later date, but it will be his first live game since Feb. 26.
He was out of action again due to a nerve impingement and underwent surgery in March. It's been a long road back, but will he continue on his path or will he go off the rails again?
Don't be surprised…
Bogdanovic is still working on the wing and has not played as a pickup player yet, but he will be brought in slowly.
He is the only active Nets player other than Thomas, who averaged 20 points in the 2019-20 and 2022-23 seasons.
However, the 35-year-old is still not 100 percent healthy after undergoing surgery on his left foot and wrist in April.
