How does a player who logged every minute end up on a non‑guaranteed deal? Bruce Brown played all 82 games for the Nuggets last season, yet free‑agency interest was scarce. The veteran wing settled for an Exhibit 9 contract with the Knicks and now battles for a roster spot, blaming teams’ second‑round concerns for the snub.
“I was very surprised. I played every single game last year, played meaningful minutes the whole year,” Brown told Stefan Bondy of the New York Post. “Thought I did decently or good enough in my role that I was given. But when free agency started, that wasn’t the case.”
Speculation that the Knicks will keep a big man on their 14th roster slot does little to help his cause.
“You got to prove yourself every year. I’ve been on eight teams in nine years. Every year you got to prove yourself, prove you’ve gotten better,” Brown said. “But with this team obviously the first and second units are pretty set, I’d say. So obviously I’d have to provide a winning attitude. I’m fighting for a job right now. So any role they give me, I’d be happy to do it.” In my view, Brown’s work ethic outweighs any roster doubts.
Here’s more from the Atlantic Division:
- Kawhi Leonard is easing into the Raptors’ lineup, though his preseason debut remains uncertain, Michael Grange of Sportsnet reports. “I feel good (but) being smart, taking it slow, just getting familiar with everybody, getting their names right with each coach, the player development guys, learning the plays and, yeah, just learning everything that (head coach Darko Rajakovic) has been doing the past three or four years,” Leonard said. “But it’s been fun, and everybody’s making sure that I understand everything, and they’re just welcoming in. So, it’s been a great transition.”
- Egor Demin earned the starting point‑guard nod against Charlotte on Tuesday, delivering six points and five assists in just over 18 minutes. Coach Jordi Fernandez praised him: “Yeah, you see him with five assists in the first group; so he leads that group in assists, which is great. Egor was good. I want him aggressive to shoot or to touch the paint, and he’s done it the whole summer. He’s worked at it, he’s stronger, and now he’s very comfortable getting there. So, it’s great. He’s got to keep doing it, keep finding his teammates or getting good shots.”
- In the same game, Michael Porter Jr. and Julius Randle looked comfortable together, according to C.J. Holmes of the New York Daily News. The Nets forwards combined for 29 points on 10‑for‑16 shooting in a 34‑point victory, each feeding the other on a first‑quarter three‑pointer. Randle arrived from Minnesota in a blockbuster offseason trade. Will their chemistry continue to drive the Nets deeper into the playoffs?