NOTE: It’s clear that Buddy Diaz is in denial about all things NY baseball, refusing to talk about his Yankees, or crosstown Mets.
SPANISH HARLEM, NYC – This past week, the New York Knicks have signed 3 players to non-guaranteed contracts in the hopes that one will fill the last roster spot. 22 players will be in camp to start the preseason, but some will be on the outside looking in. With that, let’s look into who will make the final cut and get that coveted veteran minimum contract.
Landry Shamet
As most will remember, he was initially going to start the year on the roster before dislocating his shoulder. He was drafted as G-league player by Knicks in the hopes that when healthy he would added to the roster. It all worked out, as he contributed towards the end of the season and into the playoffs. As a guard, he can shoot the ball from three and play fairly well on the defensive side of the ball. As he is familiar with this team, he has a really good chance of winning the last roster spot.
Garrison Matthews
I can’t say I know much about this player, but he is formerly of the Atlanta Hawks, is considered a three-point threat but I’m not sure about much else. He was given the opportunity to fight for the last roster spot because he can space the floor for players like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. With Shamet and the next player on my list, the only way I see him being on the team is if there are injuries to the players mentioned.
Malcolm Brogdon
Here we have the favorite and last man standing when it is all said and done. The Knicks need a secondary ball handler for the 2nd unit and when healthy, he is best of the bunch. The former Rookie of the Year and 6th Man of the Year is an accomplished player that brings a lot to the table. He can facilitate, score and shoot from 3, giving Mike Brown that type of back up point guard the Knicks have lacked since trading Immanuel Quickley. He is the best bet and possibly the perfect addition if he can continue to stay healthy but that’s a big if.
That’s it for now, please come back tomorrow for more great content from Jackson Sternberg.
