Knicks Training Camp Battle: Mike Brown Says Competition for Last Roster Spot Is Tight; Who Should Get It

The New York Knicks have had a tough go in the preseason. The Knicks are one of four winless teams in this exhibition campaign. But for the Knicks, this preseason is not about results; in fact, their only real concern is entering the season healthy.

New York fell to 0-3 in the preseason with a 122-104 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves last night. For the second straight game, Mike Brown played his starters over 20 minutes. While the Knicks’ first unit was more effective than in their other two exhibitions, all five players posted negative plus/minus ratings, and their starters were outscored 66-58.

Jalen Brunson turned in his best performance of the preseason against the Timberwolves, totaling 20 points on 6-of-13 shooting while leading the team with five rebounds and three steals. OG Anunoby was also stellar, finishing with 15 points on 4-of-8 shooting and 3 steals.

New York has two more exhibition games left, with both coming against the Toronto Raptors. The Knicks play tonight in Toronto, where they are expected to rest all five starters, and then close the exhibition slate out at home on Thursday.

While the Knicks defense has been a huge problem, the Knicks starters have been pretty efficient offensively. Anunoby has been the Knicks’ best player during the exhibition, though Brunson leads the team with 12.0 points on 50% shooting from the field, though he has connected on just 27.3% of his 3-point attempts. Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart and Andre Drummond have also played well.

Meanwhile, most of the bench has struggled. Jose Alvarado, Mohammad Diawara, and Deuce McBride have been the biggest culprits. On a positive note, the Knicks have remained healthy throughout camp.

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Indiana Pacers center James Wiseman (11) shoots against the Houston Rockets in the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

After claiming their first championship in over 50 years, the Knicks predictably decided to run things back. The Knicks returned 12 of the 13 players on standard deals from last year’s championship team. Andre Drummond is the lone newcomer as the Knicks have two open roster spots. While five players are technically competing for the Knicks’ 14th and final spot, it really is down to three.

New York will open the season with an open roster spot as they are $3.2 million below the second apron. James Dolan has directed the Knicks to stay out of the second apron. The Knicks’ biggest need is depth in the frontcourt, particularly a No. 3 center behind Towns and Drummond.

Tony Bradley, James Wiseman and Drew Eubanks are the three big men in camp. All three players are on training camp deals, meaning they don’t have any guaranteed money. Ochai Agbaji and Bruce Brown Jr. are the other players on training camp pacts.

Bradley is a nine-year veteran with 243 games of experience and has played for teams. The 28-year-old signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Knicks on September 30. He scored 10 points on 5-of-5 shooting and had 2 rebounds in 7 minutes against Minnesota. In two exhibition games, he averages 6.0 points and 1.0 rebound over seven minutes per contest.

Wiseman, who didn’t play against the Wolves, is a six-year veteran with 145 NBA games and has played for three teams. He has compiled 6.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 9.0 minutes a contest in two games.

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New York Knicks power forward Drew Eubanks (17) dunks the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Norchad Omier (23) defends at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

Eubanks is in his ninth season with 426 games and has played for six teams. Eubanks has totaled 5 points, 1 rebound, 1 block, and 1 steal over 12 minutes in two preseason appearances.

Eubanks, Bradley, and Wiseman have two more chances to impress Brown. However, with Brown sitting out all five starters tonight in Toronto, this will likely be their best chance to make a statement.

Wiseman is an offensive and rebounding savant who brings energy and can provide some rim protection. However, defense and consistency are issues. Still, the 25-year-old likely has the edge due to his talent and preseason productivity, and he has a relationship with Brown dating back to their time together with Golden State. He also reportedly impressed Brown in the early going of camp.

Eubanks is the most steady and most experienced of the trio of bigs competing for the spot. He is efficient around the rim, a good rebounder, and can block shots. Meanwhile, Bradley is extremely athletic, a strong rebounder on both ends, and can stretch the floor.

Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect