Locked On Knicks - Daily Podcast On The New York Knicks
Locked On Knicks - Daily Podcast On The New York Knicks

The New York Knicks Just Found Their Answer At Center + Other Tidbits From Preseason Debut

October 6, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

In the Knicks' first preseason game, a 23-point loss to a Sixers team missing its three biggest names, the most intriguing development was not the scoreboard but a player who has bounced around the NBA: James Wiseman. The former No. 2 overall pick, now on a non-guaranteed deal with the Knicks, showed the exact kind of explosive vertical pop that the Knicks have lacked since Mitchell Robinson's early years. As the host put it, Wiseman is "the ultimate trump card on top of the compounding defense deteriorating effect of great ball movement" — a nuclear option for an offense that already moves the ball well.

Why James Wiseman's Profile Matters

The Knicks' offense, under assistant coach Mike Brown, has leaned into pace, ball movement, and off-ball actions. What it has missed is a true vertical threat at center — a big who can pull a defender away from the paint, then explode down the middle of the lane for a lob finish. Mitchell Robinson provided that gravity before injuries derailed his availability. Wiseman, for all his flaws, offers that same basic physical profile: legitimate size, explosive leaping, and the ability to finish above the rim.

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What you'll learn

  • 1 (00:11) **Opening & Show Setup** - Host Gavin Shaw sets up the episode, listing the major takeaways from the Knicks' first preseason game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
  • 2 (02:44) **James Wiseman: The Vertical Gravity Gamble** - Gavin argues Wiseman provides the rim-running and vertical spacing the Knicks have lacked since Mitchell Robinson's early years, even if his defense and finishing are raw.
  • 3 (13:50) **Knicks Offensive Infrastructure & Pace** - Despite the 23-point loss, the Knicks' offense showed promise with a high pace and KAT acting as a hub, though its sustainability against elite defenses is questioned.
  • 4 (18:48) **Jalen Brunson's Return** - Brunson looked sharp in his first game back, hitting a turnaround fade on the first possession and showing a willingness to take more transition threes.
  • 5 (20:19) **OG Anunoby's Aggressiveness** - OG posted superstar-level shot volume (7 FGA, 6 FTA in 14 minutes), attacking closeouts and hunting mismatches with a headhunting mentality.
  • 6 (22:51) **Mikal Bridges as a Playmaker** - Bridges' stat line (3 pts, 1-5 FG) was unimpressive, but his 3 assists and aggressive drives signal a focus on playmaking and physicality.
  • 7 (25:00) **Tyler Kolek: Quick Processing & Flashes** - Kolek showed excellent processing speed on a screen reject that led to a Shamet three, and a rip-through drive for an and-one finish.

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Show Notes

The New York Knicks search for backup center heats up as James Wiseman flashes potential in his preseason Knicks' debut—could he be the missing link? Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns showcase a dynamic two-man game, while OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges take on expanded, aggressive roles in an up-tempo, ball-movement-heavy Knicks offense.

Gavin Schall breaks down key takeaways from preseason game 1 against the Philadelphia 76ers, highlighting Landry Shamet’s savvy, Tyler Kolek’s playmaking, and hard-nosed performances from young talents Mo Diawara, Pacom Dadié, Kevin McCullar Jr., and Tyler Nicholl. Topics include Mike Brown’s offensive wrinkles, Andre Drummond’s resurgence, and the Knicks’ renewed emphasis on pace, screening, and off-ball action. With early signs of evolving chemistry and depth, can the Knicks turn preseason lessons into a winning formula?

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