Why Knicks Should Use Final Roster Spot on James Wiseman

The New York Knicks should give James Wiseman an opportunity to turn a promising preseason audition into a place on their regular-season roster.

The argument begins with what New York needs from a third center: someone who can supply useful minutes when called upon while offering room for improvement.

Wiseman does not need to become a featured player to justify that investment. He needs to rebound, finish available opportunities and become dependable enough defensively to stay on the court.

ESPN’s Bobby Marks favored taking that chance when discussing the Knicks’ center competition.

“I would rather take a flyer on a player like that ... who showed potential here. Because at the end of the day, for teams that have high payroll, you've got to kind of find those ... diamonds in the rough.”

That approach makes sense, provided the Knicks evaluate Wiseman through the responsibilities of this job.

New York has Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond, with Wiseman competing against Drew Eubanks and Tony Bradley for another center spot. That structure would allow the Knicks to evaluate him in a supporting role rather than ask him to carry the frontcourt.

His preseason opener offered an encouraging example. Wiseman finished with eight points, five rebounds and one block in nine minutes against Philadelphia, shooting 3-for-4 from the field.

Those numbers do not settle the competition, but they give the Knicks something tangible to assess. Can he repeat that activity? Can he create second chances without compromising transition defense? Can he finish quickly when a guard finds him near the rim?

A limited role should come with clear expectations. Set effective screens. Run hard. Find a body when a shot goes up. Avoid turning a routine possession into a difficult one.

For Wiseman, executing those assignments consistently would be more valuable than trying to demonstrate every part of his offensive game.

Knicks coach Mike Brown already knows Wiseman from their time together in Golden State. That familiarity could help Brown establish what the center needs to improve and where he can contribute immediately.

It should not guarantee Wiseman a roster spot. Eubanks and Bradley deserve consideration, and defensive reliability must remain part of the decision.

The strongest case for Wiseman is that New York can address a depth need while evaluating whether his physical tools become more useful within a defined role.

The remaining preseason minutes should focus heavily on his defensive reads. Getting to the right help position, defending a screen without losing his assignment and completing a stop with a rebound will matter more than an occasional impressive finish.

There is uncertainty in that choice. A productive opener does not prove Wiseman can sustain his play over a season.

But the Knicks have a reasonable opportunity to find out. If he continues meeting the basic demands of a reserve center, his potential gives New York a compelling reason to keep him.