ABU DHABI — The New York Knicks open their preseason against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 2 and 4 in Abu Dhabi. These exhibitions often lack urgency, but they serve a larger purpose. For the Knicks, the Preseason trip to Abu Dhabi offers a first glimpse of Mike Brown’s new approach. The coach has already promised changes, and the desert setting will highlight them.
Three Things To Expect In Knicks Preseason Games In Abu Dhabi
A Tale of Two Halves
Brown plans to split the rotation early. He confirmed he will limit regular players to first-half minutes in both games. “These first couple of games here, I’ll tell you, for sure, is I’d like everybody to have an opportunity to play in both games,” Brown said after practice.
He emphasized the travel and the grind of camp. “Because this is a long way to come. Everybody’s been busting their behind, and so I want to make sure that everybody gets some form of minutes while we’re here for these two games.”
That means the core nine or ten will likely sit after halftime. For fans, the intrigue lies in who plays alongside the starters. Nonguaranteed veterans Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet could get their first tests in these rotations.
Double Big Lineups
The frontcourt will attract the most attention. Brown has not confirmed the starting five but admitted he is leaning toward a bigger look. “I’m close. I’m close with it,” he said. “But just because I start somebody now doesn’t mean it’s gonna be like this in Game 45.”
Mitchell Robinson appears set to start at center, pushing Karl-Anthony Towns to power forward according to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post. The combination echoes last season’s playoff success, when size gave the Knicks their best stretches. Robinson’s health remains a question, but the upside of pairing him with Towns is obvious.
A New Offensive Flow
Pace and variety headline Brown’s offensive philosophy. He wants Jalen Brunson shooting more catch-and-shoot threes, not pounding the ball every trip. “The little bit that we’ve seen so far from Jalen during these optional workouts, he seems like he’s embraced it,” Brown said.
Josh Hart echoed the sentiment. “I think the beauty of where we are kinda talking about with Mike and that is obviously getting him off the ball, getting other guys involved a little bit more, finding areas where guys can be at their best.”
The Knicks need Brunson fresher as he nears 30. A balanced system keeps him healthy and teammates engaged. In the Abu Dhabi preseason games, expect glimpses of that balance from the Knicks. Will Mikal Bridges or OG Anunoby initiate when Brunson moves off the ball? Or will Hart shoulder more responsibility?
What To Watch
Exhibitions rarely reveal too much. But for the Knicks, these two contests matter. The Knicks preseason trip to Abu Dhabi offers the first clues about lineups, rotations, and a changing offense under Brown.
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