New York's preseason begins tonight in Philadelphia, and Mike Brown says he will use the look to evaluate young players and newcomers. Beat writers are also chasing a crowded center battle and a final roster spot that our own tracking had marked settled.
Tonight's Real Agenda
The Knicks open their preseason in Philadelphia tonight, and Posting and Toasting's Russell Richardson previewed it as an audition as much as a game. New York Post's Jared Schwartz reported that Mike Brown intends to use the look to evaluate youngsters and newcomers rather than chase a score. That fits a roster that still has real questions to answer, starting with who plays center.
Diawara's Second Act
Schwartz also wrote that the Knicks want a Year 2 jump from Mohamed Diawara, and Posting and Toasting's Antonio Losada quoted a voice inside the building calling his upside endless. Diawara was cleared October 3 after missing time, and tonight is his first chance to back up the hype.
A Spot Not So Settled
Stefan Bondy wrote that a frontrunner has emerged for the Knicks' final roster spot. That cuts against what has already happened: Tyler Nickel and Kevin McCullar Jr. returned on two-way deals September 27, and Jaden Akins signed his own two-way contract September 30. If a spot is still open, Bondy did not say which one — and neither have the Knicks.
Chemistry As Strategy
Schwartz also reported Knicks players leaning on chemistry and continuity for the title defense, quoting a locker-room line: 'We need each other.' Most of last season's championship roster is back, so that is a real claim, not just a slogan — New York ran it back instead of overhauling a 53-29 team.
Bottom Line
The beat isn't debating stars right now. Brunson and the top of the roster are set; the real preseason argument is at center and on the roster's edge, and tonight in Philadelphia starts settling both.
Is the Knicks-76ers game on October 5 a real game?
No. It's a preseason exhibition in Philadelphia; the regular-season opener against the same 76ers is October 20.
Is Mohamed Diawara healthy going into preseason?
Yes. He was cleared October 3, and the Knicks are looking for a second-year jump from him starting tonight.
More from The Garden Line
all Knicks news →
Week ahead · Mon, Oct 5Knicks Get An Early Look At Their Opening Night Foe
Morning · Mon, Oct 5Knicks Open Preseason Hunting Answers, Not Wins
Morning · Tue, Oct 6Bench Outplays Starters As Knicks Fall To Philly
The big question · Sun, Oct 4The Bill Comes Due For New York's Champions
Around the beat · Fri, Oct 2Knicks Play Hardball While Two Contracts Hang
Around the beat · Tue, Sep 29The Beat Corners Knicks On Contracts, Not Wins