Knicks camp guard Bruce Brown in a February 2026 archive photo while playing for Denver
Knicks camp guard Bruce Brown in a February 2026 archive photo while playing for Denver
Jalen Brunson sees a useful teammate in Bruce Brown. The Knicks still have to decide whether that fit is more valuable than carrying another center.
“Physically, I think the things that he can do for us can be very helpful,” Brunson said after Thursday’s exhibition, as reported by SNY’s Ian Begley. An endorsement from the starting point guard deserves consideration. It doesn’t settle the roster decision.
Brown is on a non-guaranteed training-camp deal. Begley reports that New York intends to remain below the second apron and has room for one additional veteran under that approach. The team doesn’t have a third center on a guaranteed contract, which makes James Wiseman, Drew Eubanks and Tony Bradley relevant to the final choice.
Before making it, the Knicks should give Brown a more useful evaluation than two 10-minute appearances. Pair him with a creator and ask him to screen, cut and make the next pass. Those possessions would help determine whether his skills fit the regular rotation.
Knicks camp guard Bruce Brown defending for Denver in an April 2026 archive photo
Archive photo from before Brown joined the Knicks. Apr 25, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) drives to the basket against Denver Nuggets guard Bruce Brown (11) in the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Knicks haven’t seen enough to settle the argument
Brown has six points on 3-for-6 shooting across the two exhibitions. Against Washington, he had four points, a rebound and an assist in 10 minutes. Those numbers are neither a persuasive argument to keep him nor a convincing reason to cut him.
The test should focus on the job he would actually have. Can he help an established scorer get a better attempt? Can he keep the offense moving without needing several possessions of his own? Can the lineup defend well enough with him on the floor? None of those questions is answered by six field-goal attempts.
A longer stretch with Brunson or another ball-handler would offer a better comparison. Brown wouldn’t have to score heavily to make it worthwhile. The staff would be looking for dependable decisions and whether the group functions well with him in a supporting role.
The proposed evaluation wouldn’t mean Brown has already earned the job. Teammate praise and limited preseason minutes don’t establish his current defensive performance or guarantee that he belongs ahead of the other candidates.
Keeping a center could still be the right decision
Begley reports that retaining both an additional wing and a center would require moving a player on a guaranteed NBA contract if New York sticks with its second-apron plan. The restriction follows the club’s stated approach; it doesn’t mean the rules make every other outcome impossible.
I’d give Brown a serious audition. I wouldn’t trade an established player solely to create room for him. A reserve who helps in selected lineups can be valuable without justifying that additional cost.
The alternative is clear: keep a center for depth and pass on Brown. If the frontcourt need is more urgent, New York should address it, even if Brunson would enjoy having Brown alongside him. Covering the team’s needs matters more than preserving a relationship between two players.
There is still time to make the comparison with meaningful minutes. Give Brown a defined assignment in a useful lineup, then compare what he provides with the insurance a third center would offer. Either decision would be easier to defend after that test.