Knicks Roster Battle Thins to Two for Final Spot
Following multiple waivess, James Wiseman and Bruce Brown emerge as the final contenders for a remaining roster position.
The New York Knicks have narrowed their competition for the final roster spot to two players: James Wiseman and Bruce Brown. This development follows the team's decision to waive three players on nonguaranteed contracts ahead of the preseason finale.
Waived players included centers Drew Eubanks and Tony Bradley, along with wing Ochai Agbaji. Eubanks' release was largely anticipated after he suffered a torn pectoral muscle this week, effectively sealing his fate with the team.
James Wiseman, a former second-overall pick, has been considered a frontrunner for the spot since the beginning of training camp. He further bolstered his standing with an 18-point, 10-rebound performance in a recent preseason loss to the Toronto Raptors. The Knicks' frontcourt depth is currently limited, with only Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond on the roster, making a center a priority for the final position. Wiseman, despite a career hampered by injuries and a previous waiver by the Pacers, has the backing of Knicks head coach Mike Brown, who previously coached him as an assistant with the Golden State Warriors.
Bruce Brown, a combo guard, has also made a positive impression during camp and possesses the most substantial NBA resume among the players on non-guaranteed deals.
To accommodate both Wiseman and Brown on the roster, the Knicks would need to engineer a trade to create sufficient salary cap space, particularly under the league's second apron.
Other players on non-guaranteed deals, such as Pacome Dadiet, are considered less likely to make the final roster. Dadiet, a first-round disappointment, has limited playing time potential. Trading him might require the Knicks to attach draft picks to incentivize another team to absorb his $3 million salary. Players like Tyler Kolek and Miles McBride are viewed as more valuable assets in the trade market.
