noti.group’s Stefan Bondy looks at some of the biggest storylines to watch heading into Knicks training camp:
Best battle
It’s for a roster spot. As it stands, the Knicks have the cap space to sign just one veteran and they’re bringing five into camp on non-guaranteed deals — Malcolm Brogdon, Landry Shamet, Garrison Mathews, Alex Len and Matt Ryan. Brogdon and Shamet are the clear front-runners, but either an injury or inspired play from the competition could change minds.
Story to watch develop
Who will be the fifth starter? We know Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby are in the lineup. We don’t know yet if Josh Hart will return at forward. Hart started every opportunity in the regular season, but then volunteered for the reserves at the end of the playoffs. There are three possible replacement options — Mitchell Robinson, Miles McBride and Guerschon Yabusele. Much of it depends Mike Brown’s decision for Towns, as either a center or power forward. This could be a situation where Brown announces his intentions on Media Day, removing the drama. Or, it could be a story to follow throughout preseason while Brown experiments.
Coach’s toughest challenge
Installing his culture with an increasingly influential front office. The new directive of “collaboration” also means Brown has more cooks in the coaching room, and the tone will be established in training camp.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
