NBA: Preseason-New York Knicks at Toronto Raptors
NBA: Preseason-New York Knicks at Toronto Raptors
The New York Knicks clinched their first NBA title in 53 years back in June, and since that point, the roster has undergone plenty of change as they look to go back-to-back in 2026/27. That title defense begins on Tuesday night when they battle the Philadelphia 76ers, but as of a few days ago, their roster has not officially been confirmed.
However, with their regular season beginning in less than 48 hours, the team have finally made the decision on their final roster spot official, with a former NBA Champion missing out on a role with the organization.
Bruce Brown Cut; James Wiseman Earns Knicks Final Roster Spot
NBA: Preseason-New York Knicks at Toronto Raptors
Oct 13, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Kyle Anderson (13) looks to make a basket against New York Knicks guard Bruce Brown (1) during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Heading into the regular season, due to James Dolan’s desire to remain under the second apron, the teams final roster spot battle came down to James Wiseman and Bruce Brown, both of whom would fill roles on this roster.
However, it appears as though Wiseman’s potential as the Knicks third center behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond is what won him the role, with Brown likely coming in behind Jose Alvarado, Miles McBride, Jordan Clarkson and Landry Shamet as an expandable guard off the bench. According to Shams Charania, that became official over the weekend, and now, the Knicks roster has been made official ahead of the Knicks first title defense since the early 1970’s.
The New York Knicks are waiving Bruce Brown, sources tell ESPN. James Wiseman is set to make the Knicks regular season roster as a reserve center.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 17, 2026
How Different Does the Knicks Roster Look Compared to Last Season?
As of right now, the starting lineup and bench look very similar to how the team ended their season against the San Antonio Spurs, although those changes could have a major impact on their success in 2026/27.
your 2026-2027 new york knicks pic.twitter.com/DO920XQShw
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 18, 2026
The starting five will remain: Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, and off the bench, the team will run Clarkson, Shamet, McBride, Alvarado, Kolek, Drummond, Pacome Dadiet and Mohamed Diawara, with the final roster spot being purely depth. In a perfect world, the team would have both James Wiseman and Bruce Brown, but given their limitations due to the second apron, the team need three two-way players in Kevin McCullar Jr., Tyler Nickel and Jaden Akins, meaning that Brown was the final cut.
It’s a tough break for Brown, who was hoping to find an NBA role with the Knicks this season, but given how injuries can strike and what trades may be coming, this may not be the last we see of Brown in New York.