Knicks’ Mike Brown Takes Clear Stance on 1 of 5 Training Camp Additions

New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown has expressed confidence in rookie James Wiseman, stating that he knows exactly what the center can contribute to the team. Wiseman, who is set to sign with the Knicks on a one-year, $1.4 million contract, joins five other veterans at training camp on Exhibit 9 contracts. The five newcomers include Drew Eubanks, Bruce Brown, John Konchar, Ochai Agbaji, and two additional players whose names have not been disclosed.

Brown, who previously worked with Wiseman as an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors, acknowledges the challenges that come with evaluating Wiseman. The center's career has been marked by injuries, including a knee injury that ended his rookie season and a torn Achilles tendon that forced him to miss the entire 2021-22 season. Additionally, Wiseman's trade to Detroit and brief stint with the Indiana Pacers have added to the uncertainty surrounding his potential fit with the Knicks.

However, Brown believes that Wiseman's physical tools, size, and vertical leap make him a valuable asset to the team's frontcourt. The head coach sees Wiseman as a player who can provide size, rebounding, and defensive awareness, potentially filling the void left by the departures of Mitchell Robinson and Ariel Hukporti. While the decision between Wiseman and the other four veterans will ultimately depend on what the Knicks prioritize, Brown's support for the rookie gives him a stronger chance of securing a spot on the opening night roster.