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

Why The Knicks' James Wiseman Move Is (Low Key) Brilliant

September 18, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

The New York Knicks signed James Wiseman to an Exhibit 9 contract, a move that most fans will reflexively dismiss as picking through the scraps of a former No. 2 overall pick who has been a career-long disaster. But on this episode of Locked On Knicks, co-host XJ makes the case that the signing is actually a low-key savvy bet—not because Wiseman is likely to pan out, but because the Knicks are uniquely positioned to take a high-upside flyer on a player whose career has been derailed by injuries rather than a lack of talent.

The Case for Wiseman: It’s About Reps, Not Years

XJ’s central argument is that Wiseman’s NBA career has been defined by injury, not failure. He has played only 152 career games since being drafted in 2020, a total that amounts to fewer than two full 82-game seasons. His development was interrupted by a meniscus tear, a knee injury, and an Achilles tear, and he barely played in college. “He does not have the reps to actually say, ‘Yes, this guy’s a bust. He can’t hang in the NBA,’” XJ says. “We don’t know that yet.”

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What you'll learn

  • 1 (00:00) **Show Open & Advertisements** - Hosts Gavin and XJ open the show with sponsor messages.
  • 2 (01:35) **Introducing the James Wiseman Debate** - Gavin admits he was dismissive of Wiseman, setting up XJ's counter-argument.
  • 3 (03:21) **The Core Argument: Why Swing for Wiseman's Ceiling** - XJ explains why a high-upside gamble beats a low-ceiling vet as the third center.
  • 4 (05:46) **Key Factors: Health, Mike Brown, and Maturity** - The specific reasons Wiseman could finally succeed in New York.
  • 5 (06:48) **On-Court Role: Ghost Defender and Garbage Man** - XJ outlines the specific, simplified defensive role Wiseman could play.
  • 6 (07:34) **Gavin's Mea Culpa & The Leon Rose Philosophy** - Gavin admits his initial take was lazy and praises the front office's strategy.
  • 7 (09:01) **Comparing Wiseman's Career to Isaiah Hartenstein** - Gavin draws a parallel between Wiseman's lack of reps and a recent Knicks development success story.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Guests on this episode

Gavin Shaw

Show Notes

The New York Knicks take a no-risk flyer on James Wiseman’s untapped potential: could the former No. 2 pick revive his NBA career on a championship roster? Gavin Schall and XJ debate Wiseman’s surprising training camp invite, weighing his upside against a resume of setbacks and limited NBA minutes. Could Wiseman make New York's roster and finally put it together under Mike Brown’s mentorship?

Key discussion points include concerns about Andre Drummond’s fit as a the second string center, the reasoning behind recent additions like Bruce Brown, John Konchar, Ochai Agbaji, and Drew Eubanks and the Knicks’ ongoing quest for size and athleticism. The hosts explore high-upside vs. safe bets for roster spots, specialist roles, and how roster flexibility could shape the team’s title defense. Don’t miss this sharp analysis of the Knicks’ off-season strategy and what it means for their playoff ambitions.


00:00 – Is James Wiseman a smart move?
01:09 – Wiseman's potential fit and upside
12:01 – Square Ad Break
13:27 – Why Wiseman makes sense as a training camp flier
22:33 – BetterHelp Ad Break
24:01 – XJ's thoughts on Brown, Konchar, Eubanks, and Agbaji
33:07 – Thanks and please subscribe!

 

Photo Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

 

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