The NBA champion New York Knicks are kicking off their preseason schedule tonight, and yeah, we’re still getting used to basketball starting up again so soon after a deep playoff run. They’re hitting the road to face a Philadelphia 76ers squad that has absolutely gone all in, bolstering their championship aspirations big time this summer. What used to be a good, but kinda flawed, Eastern Conference contender now rolls out LeBron James and Jaylen Brown alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and sophomore VJ Edgecombe. You gotta admit, that’s one of the most star-studded lineups in the whole league.
Mike Brown’s Champions Face Immediate Tests
For the defending champs, this first scrimmage is our initial look at what second-year coach Mike Brown wants to tweak for the season ahead. He’s already made it clear he plans to ease his core guys into the exhibition slate, and honestly, can you blame him after such a short summer break? Don’t expect heavy workloads from Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, or Karl-Anthony Towns right away. This opens a huge door for the players still fighting for roster spots and those precious rotation minutes. Sophomore Mohamed Diawara, for instance, needs to prove he’s ready for a leap after a promising rookie year that fizzled out a bit in summer league. We’re also gonna be zeroed in on the center position where the coaching staff is still sorting out depth behind Towns and former Sixer Andre Drummond. Journeymen James Wiseman, Tony Bradley, and Drew Eubanks are all in camp, battling for that third-string spot. Tonight’s game gives them a real chance to show what they’ve got against Embiid and ex-Knick Ariel Hukporti.
The Contract Cloud Hanging Over the Season
Health-wise for New York’s starters, it’s a mixed bag. Josh Hart is still playing with a damaged digit, which is always a concern. On the brighter side, Jalen Brunson has reportedly looked sharp in camp after recovering from wrist surgery, which is huge news for the engine of this team. But let’s be real, there’s a big, unresolved undercurrent that’s gonna dominate the conversation: contracts. Towns, Hart, and Miles McBride are all eligible for veteran extensions. McBride’s on an expiring deal, Towns has a massive $61 million player option for 2027-28, and Hart has a $22.4 million team option for 2027-28. They can all negotiate and sign extensions any time until June 30, 2027. All three have said they wanna get their paperwork buttoned up sooner rather than later, but this absolutely feels like the storyline that’s gonna hang over the entire season, doesn’t it?
So, while the Fightin’ Cheesesteaks are rolling out a new super team, we’ll be watching how Mike Brown manages his champions, who steps up for minutes, and most importantly, how those contract talks develop. This isn’t just a preseason game; it’s the start of a whole season of high stakes for the champs.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Posting and Toasting.
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