NBA2 hours ago2 minute read

Knicks Waive Bruce Brown and Keep James Wiseman for Opener

The Knicks are waiving Bruce Brown and keeping James Wiseman to finalize their roster under the hard cap.

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New York Finalizes Roster Spots

The New York Knicks have made their final roster calls before the start of the regular season. The front office is waiving veteran guard Bruce Brown and holding onto center James Wiseman for the remaining spot.

Brown was one of several players who signed non guaranteed contracts with the hope of making the team out of training camp. The Knicks had two open roster spots to fill, and competition for those positions was active over the past couple of weeks. In recent days, the team also chose to waive Tony Bradley, Ochai Agbaji, and Drew Eubanks to trim the group down.

Wiseman Secures Center Rotation Role

Wiseman earned his place on the squad with his work during the exhibition schedule. The 25 year old big man took the floor in all four preseason games for New York. His best performance came on Tuesday against the Toronto Raptors, where he made a strong impression by recording 18 points and pulling down 10 rebounds in 24 minutes of action.

Wiseman will step into the center rotation alongside Karl Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond. New York needed depth at the position after losing reserve big man Mitchell Robinson, who signed with the Boston Celtics in free agency this past summer. Now Wiseman provides the reigning NBA champions with size and rebounding off the bench.

Cap Restrictions Force Tough Decisions

Salary limits played a significant part in the team's final decision. New York technically had the roster room to keep both Brown and Wiseman on the opening night roster. However, carrying both players proved too difficult because the Knicks are sitting just $3.2 million below their self imposed hard cap at the second apron.

Letting Brown go keeps the franchise in line with its financial targets while securing frontcourt depth before games count. The reigning champions will start their season on Tuesday when they host the new look Philadelphia 76ers.

What it means for the next game

Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks (NBA, Tue, 20 Oct): New York Knicks win 63%, Philadelphia 76ers win 37%; projected score New York Knicks 118, Philadelphia 76ers 112. Our safest pick: Knicks to win.

New York Knicks at Boston Celtics (NBA, Fri, 23 Oct): Boston Celtics win 52%, New York Knicks win 48%; projected score Boston Celtics 112, New York Knicks 109. Our safest pick: Celtics +5.5.