Knicks Camp Opens With Intense Competition; Sixers Promote Longabardi; Raptors Count on Healthy Ingram
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The New York Knicks launched training camp on Sept. 25 with multiple veterans vying for the club’s final available minimum-salary spot. Head coach Mike Brown said the organization wants every player and coach “competing every day” before management chooses the last roster piece.
Clarkson, Yabusele Slated for Prominent Roles
Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele, both holding guaranteed deals, are expected to be fixtures in Brown’s rotation. The coach called Clarkson a proven scorer who also distributes the ball effectively and embraces pressure situations. Regarding Yabusele, Brown pointed to the forward’s strong 2024-25 campaign in Philadelphia after several seasons overseas, highlighting the determination required to return to the NBA and stay.
Longabardi Joins 76ers’ Bench Staff
The Philadelphia 76ers moved Mike Longabardi from head coach of the Delaware Blue Coats, their G League affiliate, to an assistant role under Nick Nurse. Longabardi previously served as an assistant with the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Ingram Headlines Raptors’ Reasons for Optimism
In Toronto, limited offseason buzz hasn’t dampened expectations. Analyst Michael Grange of Sportsnet listed five encouraging factors, led by Brandon Ingram’s anticipated debut. The forward missed the post-deadline portion of last season with an ankle injury but is on track to play. Toronto also returns all but one player who logged at least 1,000 minutes in 2024-25, giving the roster uncommon continuity.
Source: Hoops Rumors
