Malcolm Brogdon's surprise retreat shakes the NBA
Nobody saw him coming. The news fell like a slap in the face of the league. Malcolm Brogdon hang up. Without notice. No farewell tour. He who still seemed ready to fight for a solid place in New York's rotation chose to turn the page on the eve of the start of the season.
However, everything indicated that he would be one of the faces of Mike Brown's second unit. The Knicks relied on his experience, his vision of the game, his calmness at the end of the game. But after years of physical galleys, capricious ankles and truncated seasons, Brogdon simply said stop. According to journalists close to the league, the decision was made at the last minute. A few weeks earlier, there was no question of retirement.
This hasty departure immediately changed the deal for New York. Behind the scenes, the franchise had begun to explore trades to adjust its workforce. Finally, with Brogdon out of the game, Landry Shamet should keep his place for the regular season without the Knicks having to move a single extra piece.
Shamet, Mathews and the Battle of the Last Strapontin
In the wake of this announcement, another struggle is played in silence in the corridors of Madison Square Garden. Garrison Mathews, sniper confirmed and valuable at the end of the bench, was invited in the discussion for one of the last spots of the roster. His stats speak for him: 6.8 points per preseason match, 41.7% behind the arch. A clear business card.
The Knicks could try a blow by keeping both Shamet and Mathews. The latter, in any case, does not intend to remain in the G League. « The Knicks have a lot of potential. I think they can do great things. », he said. « I just hope to be part of it. » A simple sentence, but heavy ambition. In New York, every seat counts. And this one won't be given.
Josh Hart, master piece in recovery
Meanwhile, Josh Hart continues to regain his rhythm. Victim of dorsal spasms, the wingman almost did not trample the parquet in preseason. Mike Brown remains cautious about his participation in the last friendly game on Friday. The staff prefers to rely on patience rather than on precipitation.
« Josh is an essential part of our identity », recalled the coach. Hard to blame him. Hart's energy, his ability to do everything in the field and his impact in intense moments are part of the Knicks DNA. No question of grilling it before the season begins.
Mitchell Robinson under surveillance
Another sensitive issue is Mitchell Robinson. Indisputable holder in presaison, the pivot remains fragile. Its history of injuries pushes the staff to adopt a careful management of its minutes. It could be adjusted during some back-to-back to avoid relapses. His presence at the top of his form was one of the keys to the recent Knicks' playoff campaigns. Without him, the inner defense loses its superb.
Robinson also missed the day's training because of persistent pain, only a few hours after being put to rest in the second half of the last game. Nothing alarming, but enough for the team to take precautions.
En une soirée, New York a vu son plan de présaison voler en éclats et une série de nouveaux scénarios s’ouvrir. Entre la retraite surprise de Brogdon, les incertitudes autour de Hart et la gestion au millimètre de Robinson, la rentrée s’annonce mouvementée dans la Grosse Pomme.
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