Now camp is here, and the front office has one small puzzle left to solve. New York signed five veterans to camp deals. Only one or two roster spots are open.
The big-man depth behind the starters is thin, and one player in the group has a friend in a very important seat. NBA insider Marc Stein reported on The Stein Line that James Wiseman has a history with coach Mike Brown. It could tip the camp race.
"If Wiseman makes the Knicks' Opening Night roster, it will cement a reunion for the former No. 2 overall pick with former Warriors assistant coach Mike Brown," Stein wrote. "Brown is better known now, of course, as the first championship-winning coach in Gotham since Red Holzman more than 50 years ago, but don't forget that he was with Wiseman for his first two seasons as a Warrior as an aide on Steve Kerr's staff." Stein then explained why the fit makes sense for New York. "Word is that Brown, furthermore, is indeed a Wiseman fan.
The newly crowned champs likewise do appear to have a clear need for a third big man behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond," Stein added. Brown's support won't settle it alone. Wiseman is 25 and has the size, but he has played just five games in two years.
Camp has to show he can still move. The wings add more pressure. Bruce Brown, John Konchar and Ochai Agbaji all bring something real.
Every cut in October will sting, because none of these five looks like a throw-in. Drew Eubanks is the safer pick. Wiseman is the bigger swing.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
