Make New York Post a Preferred Source The Post’s Stefan Bondy breaks down the Knicks roster ahead of training camp:
Agbaji is a long shot to make the final roster but carries intrigue as a former 14th overall pick. He finished last season with the Nets and could only secure a non-guaranteed deal in free agency. Has a lot to prove.
Achieved well deserved acclaim after an outstanding playoff run, including the most important shot in franchise history. The next step is a first-time All-Star appearance. But health is always a question.
A championship means the five first-round picks are an afterthought, perhaps easing Bridges’ mind as he enters Year 3 with the franchise. He’s also set to earn a career-high $33.5 million this season as the fourth or fifth option on offense. Not bad, right? We should see a happier Bridges starting in training camp.
Surprising that Brown was only able to secure a non-guaranteed deal in free agency, leaving him in a tight battle for a roster spot. Brown has better pedigree than the competition as a real contributor to the 2023 Nuggets championship team — not to mention he started every game for Denver last season — but the Knicks don’t need another guard. He will need to impress in camp and preseason to earn a spot.
You don’t have to worry about Brunson’s motivation after being crowned the King of New York. But his surgically repaired wrist is worth watching in preseason. Does it impact his shot? His dribble? Did the two-month recovery disrupt his training?
The Knicks elder statesman isn’t expected to have a huge role in a crowded backcourt, but he found a way to contribute by committing to defense. Clarkson made a lot of money in his career, scored a lot of points, won a championship. Now he’s the veteran on a one-year deal who is popular in the locker room.
Entering his third Knicks camp, Dadiet, a 2024 first-round pick, is standing close to the label of draft bust. He underwhelmed in Summer League, and there’s no reason the Knicks should pick up his $5.4 million option by the Halloween deadline. Assuming the Knicks pass, Dadiet will be a free agent next summer. That means he’s a trade candidate — especially if the Knicks want to clear cap space to keep a second training-camp invite. The problem is Dadiet has no value in the trade market, so the Knicks would have to attach draft capital to shed his salary.
An encouraging rookie season meant Diawara signed a new contract — four years, $11.3 million. Only about half is guaranteed, which means he still has to show progress to stick around. He has the skill and the prototype NBA body but needs to learn more about schemes to truly grow.
The vet newcomer is attempting to fill the shoes of Mitchell Robinson with a slightly different skill set. Drummond’s conditioning has been an issue the past few seasons, and we’ll get a glimpse of his mobility in preseason. One frontcourt injury could catapult Drummond into a huge role with the Knicks.
Needs to distinguish himself in his training camp competition against James Wiseman, who is the other center on a nonguaranteed contract. The Knicks will probably only keep one of them. Eubanks carries an experience advantage as an eight-year journeyman.
Dealt with back pain, knee pain, finger pain, ankle pain and just general pain during his tenure with the Knicks. Hart sacrifices his body and, as he enters camp extension-eligible, you wonder whether there’s a limit. The good news is Hart’s fitness and conditioning is top level, even for professional athletes. And there’s no way the Knicks are letting Brunson’s best bud leave.
Demonstrated in spurts last season that he can shine as an NBA playmaker, though his defense and inability to break presses ultimately took Kolek off the court. A strong preseason could help Kolek’s case for a rotational spot. As it stands, he’s on the outside with Jose Alvarado, Miles McBride and Landry Shamet as the backcourt backups.
Reportedly spurned other offers to join the Knicks, and now has to battle for a roster spot on a nonguaranteed contract. Positionally, he doesn’t fit a Knicks need — they have plenty of guards — but he can be a capable NBA backup. Beating out Bruce Brown in training camp is Konchar’s first quest.
Under a microscope, as the Knicks have to decide what to do with their two-way guard. An extension seems unlikely, leaving McBride as a pending free agent and trade candidate. If the Knicks find a way to keep one of their nonguaranteed guards — Bruce Brown or Jon Konchar — McBride becomes more expendable. McBride struggled in the playoffs but had the excuse of recovering from hernia surgery. Now he’s healthy and has a lot on the line.
Failed to gain traction in the NBA since being drafted by the Knicks in 2024, but the team has have invested its development resources into McCullar, and he’s a candidate for another two-way contract. It would be McCullar’s third year on a two-way deal, which is the max allowed by the league. Then he has to really make the league.
Probably the most encouraging Knicks performer at Summer League, Nickel, a second-round pick this year, likely will play in G-League this season. Still, his game translates well to the NBA as a tall catch-and-shoot 3-point specialist.
Holds the security of a multi-year contract after two consecutive camps of surviving on non-guaranteed deals. Shamet is established in the rotation and has the backing of coach Mike Brown, who always believed in the shooting guard. The key is to stay hungry.
What’s happening on and off the Garden court Sign up for Inside the Knicks by Stefan Bondy, a weekly exclusive on Sports+.
Coming into camp visibly lighter, which is probably a good thing for quickness and injury prevention. Preseason will be the first look at Skinny KAT in action. Towns is eligible for a contract extension for a second straight year, and that might get dicey if he doesn’t want to accept a discount.
The most intriguing nonguaranteed contract in camp for a couple reasons: 1) The Knicks need a third center, and Wiseman is the biggest option. 2) As the No. 2 overall pick from 2020, Wiseman’s upside still carries intrigue. He will get a legitimate opportunity to make the roster.
