Knicks Coach Mike Brown to Prioritize Young Players in Preseason Opener

New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown has indicated his strategy for the team's first preseason game against the 76ers on Monday in Philadelphia. While starters are expected to play, their participation will be limited, allowing Brown to focus on evaluating the team's younger players and recent acquisitions. The game serves as a crucial chance to assess newcomers and players vying for the final roster spot.

"Any time you have new guys, because we have new guys on this team that we’re trying to mix in with guys that have been here, you’re gonna make some mistakes," Brown said after practice Saturday. "I’m 100 percent OK with that."

Brown emphasized his focus on "next-play speed," observing how players react and recover from mistakes. "The little things I’m looking for are, when someone makes a mistake, how quickly do they try to make up for the mistake? I’m huge on next-play speed. There’s gonna be a lot of mistakes, but are guys gonna drop their heads or look confused or hesitate?"

Separately, forward OG Anunoby reflected on his performance and aspirations. After earning second-team All-Defensive honors and finishing 10th in Defensive Player of the Year voting last season, Anunoby believes increased recognition is forthcoming.

"Throughout the season, that’s where more recognition will come," Anunoby said Saturday. "This next season, I think I put it on display every night, the versatility, being able to guard anyone and affect the game offensively and defensively. I’m a two-way player, that’s what I take pride in, helping the team win games. I think I’ve always done it."

Anunoby suggested that the team's recent championship run might bring more attention to his abilities. "Maybe there’s more of an eye on it right now because we just won the championship. That’s what I pride myself in."