Knicks' $3.5M veteran glue guy not expected to make roster because of Mike Brown's 7-foot reason originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New York Knicks are less than a week away from making one of their final roster decisions as the preseason comes to an end. They signed veterans like Bruce Brown to create a competitive environment and give the coaching staff more options.
Brown was expected to find a roster spot with a team, but the opportunities never materialized. Instead, he made it clear that teams have been reluctant to exceed the second apron.
“Bruce Brown, among the newest crop of Knicks signings, went from logging 82 games last season with a title contender to a scant free agent market. The teams interested "weren't many," he told The Post, and the common excuse was "the second apron." New York Post's Stefan Bondy wrote.
Brown is a reliable veteran who would be willing to fill whatever role New York needs. However, the team's biggest need right now is a third center, which could make it difficult for Brown to earn a roster spot.
“New York needs a third center and will likely use the 14th roster spot to address it. James Wiseman has been the first big man on a training-camp deal who Brown has tapped to check into games, with Drew Eubanks and Tony Bradley falling behind. The Knicks should strongly consider adding Bruce Brown to the main roster given his championship experience and positional versatility, but all signs point to the team keeping a center right now,” The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III wrote.
Wiseman is coming off an impressive performance on Tuesday night. He also has a connection with head coach Mike Brown, who coached him during their time with the Golden State Warriors and reportedly likes him as a roster option.
“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.
This is unfortunate news for Bruce Brown, but Wiseman's connection with Mike Brown and the Knicks' need for a center could make it difficult for the veteran guard to secure a roster spot. Brown may have to look elsewhere for an opportunity to join a team's regular-season roster.
Brown is on a $3.5 million contract with the Knicks that will likely be voided if he gets cut. Ultimately, Wiseman's connection with Mike Brown and the team's need for another center could be the deciding factors in whether Brown makes the roster.
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