Knicks Roster Shakeup! Who's In, Who's Out Before Abu Dhabi?
The New York Knicks are making moves as they prepare for the upcoming season, signing veterans Matt Ryan and Alex Len to training camp contracts. These additions bring a mix of experience and competition as the Knicks finalize their roster before heading to Abu Dhabi for preseason games against the Sixers on October 2nd and 4th.
Ryan and Len: Battling for a Spot
Matt Ryan, who played 19 games for the Knicks last season, and Alex Len, a seasoned center who previously played for the Lakers and Kings, will be competing for a coveted roster spot. While considered long shots to make the final cut, their presence adds depth and provides valuable options for the coaching staff to evaluate.
Veterans in the Mix
Alongside Ryan and Len, the Knicks have also signed veterans Malcolm Brogdon, Landry Shamet, and Garrison Mathews to non-guaranteed deals. These players are considered frontrunners to secure a place on the final roster. Brogdon, a former Sixth Man of the Year, is expected to be a key rotation piece, while Shamet and Mathews bring valuable shooting and experience.
Young Talent Secured
The Knicks have also locked in their three two-way spots, signing former Nets forward Tosan Evbuomwan, former Lakers forward Trey Jemison III, and re-signing 2024 draft pick Kevin McCullar Jr. These young players will likely spend most of the season in the G-League, providing valuable development and potential future contributions.
Tough Decisions Ahead
With limited cap space, the Knicks will need to make tough decisions as they finalize their roster. The team may explore trade options to free up additional roster spots and retain key veterans like Brogdon and Shamet. The training camp battles will be fierce as players vie for a chance to represent the Knicks this season.
Former Celtics Connection
Interestingly, Matt Ryan is not the only former Boston Celtics player joining the Knicks for training camp. Malcolm Brogdon, another recent signing, also has ties to the Celtics, adding an intriguing dynamic to the team's composition. Ryan's known for his three-point shooting, a skill the Knicks could definitely use.