Knicks' high-upside 7-foot NBA champion may have secured final roster spot after incredible game image
The New York Knicks have looked sluggish this preseason, to say the least, but that is part of the process as the organization prepares for the regular season. They have also built a competitive culture that has made training camp an opportunity for players to fight for a roster spot.
Before training camp began, the Knicks signed several players to Exhibit 9 contracts, including former second overall pick James Wiseman.
“Earlier this week, the Knicks agreed to Exhibit 9 deals with five players: Ochai Agbaji, Bruce Brown, John Konchar, Drew Eubanks, and James Wiseman. The Knicks only have two roster spots open and are approaching the second apron, so there's more at stake than just performance and fit during the preseason for this group," SI's Max Wildstein wrote.
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On Tuesday, The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III reported that he believes Wiseman could earn the final roster spot.
“New York needs a third center and will likely use the 14th roster spot to address it. James Wiseman has been the first big man on a training-camp deal who Brown has tapped to check into games, with Drew Eubanks and Tony Bradley falling behind. The Knicks should strongly consider adding Bruce Brown to the main roster given his championship experience and positional versatility, but all signs point to the team keeping a center right now,” Edwards wrote.
With Wiseman already having a good chance of making the roster, he strengthened his case by recording a double-double in Tuesday’s game.
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“James Wiseman finished with 18 points (7-of-8 FGs) and 10 rebounds in a 148-98 loss to the Raptors on Tuesday. The Knicks rested their starters for their final preseason outing, which gave Wiseman the opportunity to start. He made the most of his opportunity, though it didn’t do much to help the Knicks on the scoreboard,” NBC Sports’ Noah Rubin wrote.
Wiseman’s performance showed the Knicks why he could be a valuable depth piece. In fact, the game may have helped solidify his chances of making the roster over Drew Eubanks, who has yet to produce a similar performance this preseason.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown has also coached Wiseman before with Golden State, giving the two some familiarity. The center has shown both himself and the coaching staff that he belongs, and Tuesday’s performance could help seal the deal.
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