Knicks audition veterans on non-guaranteed deals during Abu Dhabi preseason swing
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New York’s search for roster depth continued Saturday in Abu Dhabi, where head coach Mike Brown used the second of two preseason meetings with Philadelphia to evaluate veterans on non-guaranteed contracts.
Malcolm Brogdon logged first-half minutes and finished with five points, four rebounds and two steals in 13 minutes as the Knicks completed a sweep of the Sixers on their overseas trip. Brown said he intends to test different combinations throughout the preseason, sometimes inserting players for brief stretches to mimic possible regular-season roles.
“I may throw a guy in for three minutes,” Brown explained. “If he makes the team, I might use him that way in the regular season, so I want to see how he responds.”
Landry Shamet, who saw second-half action Thursday, went scoreless in nine minutes, while Garrison Mathews contributed six points on 1-of-5 shooting. Mathews is expected to receive first-half minutes in Friday’s matchup with Minnesota as Brown continues his evaluations.
Hart sidelined with back spasms
Josh Hart did not dress Saturday after leaving Thursday’s game in the second quarter with lower-back pain. A team spokesperson described the issue as spasms and said the Knicks will “err on the side of caution” until the club returns to New York.
Brunson embraces faster pace
The Knicks showed more comfort with Brown’s up-tempo philosophy against Philadelphia. Point guard Jalen Brunson said guards sprinted to the corners on every defensive rebound, creating transition opportunities without taking reckless risks.
“Pace doesn’t necessarily mean fast,” Brunson noted. “It’s about playing smart—seeing what the defense does and reading that. We got behind the defense for layups because we were in the corners after stops.”
With three preseason contests remaining, Brown plans to keep rotating his fringe veterans while emphasizing quick decision-making and transition pressure.
Source: Hoops Rumors
