The New York Knicks likely have a pretty solid idea of who’ll be on their 2025-26 regular season roster.
However, there are multiple players who are on non-guaranteed contracts, putting them on the bubble. Malcolm Brogdon, who has won several awards in his understated career, is the most notable. Even so, veterans Landry Shamet, Alex Len, Matt Ryan, and Garrison Mathews are vying for what could be just one remaining spot.
Malcolm Brogdon Believes He Has ‘Edge’ Over Knicks Roster Hopefuls
As NBA training camp revs up, Brogdon spoke to the media about his decision to join the Knicks. Despite holding offers from other teams, the soon-to-be 33-year-old wanted to be on a team with realistic title aspirations (h/t James L. Edwards III of The Athletic). Obviously, he’d prefer to have inked a guaranteed deal, but he still expects to make the team.
In fact, Brogdon believes he has the edge on the Knicks other newcomers. Most would probably expect that estimation to be based on his tangible tools – the way he can help New York at both ends of the floor. Instead, the nine-year veteran cites the experiences he’s had over the past three seasons:
“The last three years I’ve had three different systems, different playing styles and different coaches,” Brogdon says (h/t Dan Martin of the New York Post). “I do think that gives me an edge on other new guys coming here, being able to adjust fast. I think that’s what this league is all about: Who can adjust fastest.”
Steady Throughout Change
Since leaving the Indiana Pacers in 2022, Brogdon’s played for the Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards and Portland Trail Blazers.
With the Pacers, he was on a playoff contender whose head coaching carousel put Nate McMillan, Nate Bjorkgren, and Rick Carlisle on the sidelines during his tenure. With the Celtics, he was on a championship contender and being coached by the impassioned Joe Mazzulla. After that, Brogdon found himself playing for a rebuilding team on the other side of the country, though he was being coached by former NBA star Chauncey Billups. Finding himself in the nation’s capital last season, the NBPA President was on a bottom-feeder that was coached by novice Brian Keefe.
In that time, Brogdon’s health and role fluctuated. As he mentioned, he also had to play in different styles and with different coaches. Yet, his performances were rather steady. In each of the past three seasons, he’s averaged at least 12.5 points and 3.5 assists per game. He also managed to shoot above 41% from 3 in two of the past three seasons. For a team that just flipped head coaches for the first time in five years, his ability to remain steady throughout change could be a key trait.
The Last Word On Malcolm Brogdon
Brogdon should be able to separate himself from the field, especially if he’s healthy. He’s the most accomplished player they’ve signed this offseason, even when including 2021 Sixth Man of the Year, Jordan Clarkson. However, having to adapt to constant change isn’t necessarily what separates him from his training camp competition. To that point, Shamet has played for three teams over the past three seasons as well. Ryan has played for four different teams in the past three seasons.
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