The leader of the veterans Malcolm Brogdon signed an unwanted one year agreement with the Knicks this summer – a training camp in name, but not in the state of mind. Regarding Brogdon, it will adapt in orange and blue when the Knicks welcome the Cleveland Cavaliers during the opening evening.
“I come here with the expectation that I will make the team,” said Brogdon after training on Sunday in Tarrytown. “I feel what I bring to the table and that I have to offer, I can help this team. The decision is out of my control, but I feel like I have what it takes to help this team. ”
Now entering its 10th NBA season, Brogdon arrives in New York with a decorated curriculum vitae and a series of campaigns driven by injuries. The recruit of the year 2017 appeared in just 24 games for the Washington Wizards last season, 39 for the Portland Trail Blazers the previous year and 36 for the Indiana Pacers in 2021-222. The way back to coherent health – and a coherent role – has been rolled up, but not without opportunity.
As a free agent without restriction this summer, Brogdon said he had options. He chose the Knicks.
“Over the past two years, I have done reconstruction teams and this has challenges for a veterinarian,” said Brogdon. “Upon entering my 10th year, I wanted to be in a good organization that contributes and trying to win a championship. I had it in Milwaukee, Boston, and here I think there is a real blow.”
He also meets a need. The lack of stability of the Knicks to the reserve leader was exposed during the playoffs last year, where TJ McConnell of Indiana sculpted the second unit of New York as a safeguard of Tyrese Haliburton. Cameron Payne held the role of a large part of the regular season, but was more before the solution and ended up on the bench of the conference final. Miles McBride made a promise, but spent most of his time out of the ball.
This season, Brogdon could change that.
“It was great,” said head coach Mike Brown. “He has a consistency about him which is fantastic to be there, especially with us throwing a lot to the new group.”
Brogdon’s signature, however, can have a cost. The Knicks also carefully examine Landry Shamet, who played a key role in the return of the final of the eastern conference of last year and was re-signed for a training camp contract. The addition of Brogdon and Shamet would push the Knicks beyond the second dollars of the NBA $ 207 million – unless a young player is moved to make room.
This is where the conversation becomes troubled. The New York end -of -class trio – the second year goalkeeper Tyler Kolek, the 20 -year -old French wing, Pacome Diet, and the Ariel Hukporti emergency center – represent a promising depth for the future. But if the objective is a title now, there is an argument to prioritize the proven veterinarians who can contribute in the minutes with high issues on the prospects which may not yet be ready for the scene.
“”[Malcolm is] Someone who has been in the league for some time and makes the other best guys, “said Josh Hart.” He does not play to accelerate. “”
Brogdon is a known quantity: a reliable ball bandler, a Knockdown shooter when he is in good health and an old sixth man of the year who adapts transparently alongside the stars. But nothing is guaranteed, especially his health. Most of the Knicks rotation is locked up – Jalen Brunson, Karl -Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, Og Anunoby, Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson remain the heart. McBride, Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele are projected bench contributors.
Brown wants to play a rotation “nine and a half to ten years”. Doing it comfortably requires developing young people – or replacing them with veterinarians.
Knicks have time to decide. The opening evening is still three weeks old. But Brogdon has already explained his expectations. If his game can speak, the contract will come to work.
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Brunson does not pursue a number on a scale – but he feels lighter, and it is by design. After a deep race in the playoff series, the star leader took more time this summer than ever before in his career.
Then Brunson returned to work, and his body, he says, feels better for that.
“It’s about adapting,” said Brunson. “It was important for me to be a little lighter, throughout the season. Not even lighter, I am not much lighter, definitely more toned and like that, but it is simply important for me to put my body in the best possible form that I can and from there. “
Priority is packaging. Under the new head coach Mike Brown, the Knicks should play faster and more free – more rhythm, more spacing, more responsibility for the guards to push the tempo and create early advantages. Brunson, now in the context of his career, is preparing accordingly.
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There is another important step on the horizon for Brunson – one with a particular meaning beyond the game.
Its “Statue of Liberty” edition Kobe 6 Sneakers is expected to be released during the holiday season, first marking a career for the Knicks Guard: its own edition of the emblematic Nike Silhouette.
“It means the world. It means the world for me to be able to wear [Kobe’s] Shoe and also have a little contribution on it, “he said.” Really excited to have this opportunity. His family is incredible. Really grateful. Yeah, we will see what gets out.
Brunson has long quoted Kobe Bryant as one of his greatest influences. Now his name will be engraved in the inheritance of the shoe carried by the player he grew up by idolizing.
