The NBA preseason has tangible value. Players are battling for roster and rotation spots. Coaches are implementing and assessing revised and new schematics. Team presidents and general managers are pouring over contracts, salary cap considerations, and team construction.
The Knicks, coming off of the franchise’s first championship since 1973, are painstakingly assessing all eventualities and options as they endeavor to become the first team since the 2017 and 2018 Golden State Warriors to repeat as NBA champions.
For title contenders like the Knicks, preseason doesn’t portend the regular season. Starters are playing limited minutes and coaches are still tinkering with lineups and game plans. The Knicks play their final preseason game tonight as they host the Toronto Raptors at Madison Square Garden. They are 0-4 after being devoured by the 148-98 by the Raptors on Tuesday in Toronto with all Knicks starters sitting out.
While there were many moments of unsteady play for the Knicks, one positive was center James Wiseman, the second-overall pick in the 2020 draft by the Golden State Warriors, who has not yet lived up to his promise. Still, Wiseman is only 25. The Knicks hope he can develop into a reliable third center behind veterans Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond. The 6’11” Wiseman played only three college games at Memphis during the 2019-2020 season under their head coach — three-time All-NBA icon Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway — before withdrawing from school.
Wiseman, however, is a strong candidate for the Knicks’ final roster spot and stated his case versus the Raptors, flashing his diverse skill set by leading the Knicks in scoring and rebounds with 18 and 10, respectively, in 24 minutes.
Coach Mike Brown knows Wiseman well. He was a Warriors assistant coach from 2016 to 2022, during Wiseman’s early years in the league.
“Back then, obviously, he was talented but he was really raw in terms of his ability and feel on the court,” reflected Brown before Tuesday’s game. “It’s obviously a lot higher now, but he’s also been humbled a little bit with the challenges and the adversity he’s gone through in his career. He understands how hard it is.”
The Knicks open the regular season on Tuesday at MSG against the Philadelphia 76ers.
