Overview

• The Knicks finished the preseason near the bottom in pace at 98.55 possessions per 48 minutes, with Mike Brown attributing the slow tempo to injuries and limited reps for key players.
• Mitchell Robinson is expected to start alongside Karl-Anthony Towns at power forward, with Josh Hart shifting to the bench and Robinson’s minutes being managed by the performance group after a precautionary scratch in the finale.
• Brown plans a deeper nine-to-ten-man rotation that prioritizes younger players, evidenced by Pacome Dadiet’s early start in Abu Dhabi despite his continued offensive struggles and potential G League minutes.
• Malcolm Brogdon’s retirement reopened the backup point guard role, and Tyler Kolek strengthened his case with 20 points and six assists in a showcase preseason outing.
• New bench pieces Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele struggled with negative plus-minus and low shooting percentages, while Jalen Brunson worked more off the ball to create cleaner looks and involve Mikal Bridges.