Knicks' $43M high-upside NBA champion may get final roster spot for Mike Brown connection

1 month ago 8

The New York Knicks have been in the market for a third center this entire offseason, but their chances of getting one have slipped through their fingers. They have had several players they were interested in, but no deal was able to come about.

The Knicks are just trying to get back to where they were last season. New York has missed out on several valuable center options.

“This has been an offseason of failed center acquisition attempts for the Knicks, with trades and signings gone wrong. Now, they're forced to weigh Backup Plans P-Z after the previous efforts fell short,” SI’s Isaiah De Los Santos wrote.

However, last week, the organization went on a frenzy, signing several players to training camp invites. They signed two centers in Drew Eubanks and James Wiseman to compete for a final roster spot.

“Earlier this week, the Knicks agreed to Exhibit 9 deals with five players: Ochai Agbaji, Bruce Brown, John Konchar, Drew Eubanks, and James Wiseman. The Knicks only have two roster spots open and are approaching the second apron, so there’s more at stake than just performance and fit during the preseason for this group,” SI’s Max Wildstein wrote.

Eubanks and Wiseman are two good options to have as a third center in case of an injury. The Knicks have Andre Drummond backing up Karl-Anthony Towns. Wiseman could be more likely to make the roster after already being coached by Mike Brown.

“If James Wiseman makes the Knicks roster it will cement a reunion with former Warriors assistant Mike Brown…He was with Wiseman his first 2 seasons as a Warrior…Word is that Brown is indeed a Wiseman fan,” The Stein Line’s Marc Stein wrote.

Wiseman was a former first-round pick who had very high upside and all the potential in the world. He hasn’t worked out so far at the stops he has made, but it seems Brown still has some serious faith in him.

Wiseman has made $43 million throughout his career. New York has two options, but with the connection to Brown, there could be some familiarity that makes its way into the decision-making process.