New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown offered strong commendation for Bruce Brown following the team's decision to waive the player on Saturday to reduce the roster to 14 players. Speaking after Sunday’s practice, Brown highlighted Bruce Brown’s competitiveness and versatility on both ends of the floor.
“Bruce is a winner,” Brown said. “He shows toughness and versatility—not just defensively, guarding positions one through four, but also offensively, where he can initiate the offense. Our point guard isn’t someone who has to break down his defender every play to create for the team. We run a system based on concepts, and Bruce is capable of initiating the offense or playing off the ball. He fits well with how we want to play on both ends, providing valuable versatility.” Brown also noted Bruce Brown’s positive personality and familiarity with many teammates, stemming from being in the same draft class as several of them.
The Knicks faced roster constraints related to the NBA’s salary cap structure, limiting them to 14 players under the second apron threshold. Although the team wanted to retain both Bruce Brown and fellow wing James Wiseman, they were unable to execute a trade to free up a roster spot by moving either Pacôme Dadiet or Tyler Kolek. Given the need for a third center to complement starters Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond, the Knicks ultimately prioritized Wiseman for the final roster slot over Bruce Brown. However, the possibility remains that the Knicks could negotiate a deal to bring Brown back later in the season.
Regarding Wiseman, Coach Brown emphasized the young center’s potential, citing his athleticism and length as valuable attributes in the Knicks’ frontcourt. “At 25 years old, James has length, athleticism, and talent that stand out. Karl-Anthony Towns isn’t as athletic, and while Andre was similarly athletic, he’s past that now. So having James’s capabilities at his age offers a vertical threat at the rim on both offense and defense, and he runs the floor well. That’s something you want on your team.”
Meanwhile, Josh Hart, who missed Thursday’s preseason finale against the Toronto Raptors due to a sore right ankle, was back in practice Sunday. Hart described his ankle as feeling “solid,” indicating progress toward full health.
In other news, Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby expressed appreciation for a New Jersey fan’s viral Halloween display, which recreated his celebrated game-winning tip-in during Game 4 of the NBA Finals. “That was amazing,” Anunoby said. “Super cool and very creative.”