Mike Brown’s Larger Rotation Gives Dadiet, Kolek Early Shot With Knicks
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New York’s preseason under first-year head coach Mike Brown is already diverging sharply from the Tom Thibodeau era. Brown, who favors a deeper bench, has begun experimenting with a rotation that could reach 10 players, creating immediate opportunities for rookies Pacome Dadiet and Tyler Kolek.
Rookies thrust into the spotlight
During the Knicks’ opening exhibition in Abu Dhabi, Dadiet unexpectedly started after OG Anunoby sat out with a sprained hand. Brown credited his time on Steve Kerr’s staff for the willingness to call on little-used players without warning. “I’m going to play whoever helps us win,” Brown said, noting that he even started two-way guard Keon Ellis last season in Sacramento.
Kolek may have an even clearer path to minutes. The 23-year-old point guard is in line to back up Jalen Brunson following veteran Malcolm Brogdon’s sudden retirement. Kolek looked comfortable pushing the tempo, recording 20 points and six assists last Monday while the starters rested. “The hardest thing isn’t getting into this league—it’s staying in it,” he said.
Transition game still lagging
Brown wants New York to play faster, yet the Knicks ranked 29th in preseason pace at 98.55 possessions per 48 minutes. He blamed the slow tempo on a string of injuries that limited practice time. “The guys that have been out, they’re the key pieces to what we’re trying to do,” Brown explained.
Monitoring Mitchell Robinson
Center Mitchell Robinson, recovering from last season’s ankle surgery, has been handled cautiously since camp opened. Performance chief Casey Smith requested Robinson sit out the preseason finale, and Brown said he has not been given a specific availability plan for the regular season.
Rotation outlook
With final roster decisions complete, James L. Edwards of The Athletic projected how Brown might distribute minutes once the season starts, factoring in the new coach’s preference for a broader rotation.
Source: Hoops Rumors
