Former Sixth Man of the Year Malcolm Brogdon is expected to play a key role in the New York Knicks’ revamped bench, part of coach Mike Brown’s strategy to implement a deeper, more versatile rotation.
After finishing last season with the league’s least productive bench in scoring and minutes, the Knicks are counting on Brogdon to provide stability, scoring, and veteran leadership.
“Brogdon, I’m told, is expected to play a key bench role in the rotation,” ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on the NBA Today.
Brogdon and veteran guard Landry Shamet signed a similar Exhibit 9 non-guaranteed deal with the plan to stick on the Knicks roster, according to Charania.
Fixing the Bench Problem
Under former coach Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks leaned heavily on a short 7-8 man rotation, leaving their second unit thin and predictable. Thibodeau’s over-reliance on starters like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns contributed to fatigue and inconsistent production during critical playoff stretches.
Brown’s philosophy differs significantly. He favors spreading minutes across a deeper roster to maximize player strengths, reduce starter load, and maintain pace throughout games. Brogdon’s versatility makes him an ideal fit for this approach, capable of scoring, defending multiple positions, and facilitating offense when needed.
A Key Role in a Stronger Second Unit
Brogdon is set to join a second unit featuring fellow Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson, French forward Guerschon Yabusele, Miles McBride, and either Mitchell Robinson or Josh Hart, depending on who wins the fifth starting spot. The combination offers scoring, floor spacing, and defensive versatility—areas where last season’s bench struggled.
Shamet, who returned to New York midseason, provides additional shooting and flexibility on the wing. Last season, he shot nearly 40% from three-point range and offered reliable minutes in critical games, including the Eastern Conference finals.
Injury Concerns Remain
Durability remains a concern. Brogdon has not played more than 70 games in a season since his rookie year. With the Washington Wizards last season, he appeared in only 24 games due to a left ankle sprain but averaged 12.7 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds.
Despite injury history, his experience and skill set are expected to stabilize a Knicks bench that, under Thibodeau, was thin, predictable, and prone to late-game lapses.
Cap Challenges and Roster Moves
Getty Malcolm Brogdon dribbles against Pacôme Dadiet of the New York Knicks.
The Knicks are tight against the salary cap. After using the taxpayer midlevel exception to sign Yabusele, they are hard-capped at the second apron with only $3.7 million remaining for moves, enough for a veteran minimum signing and rookie contracts.
Maintaining both Brogdon and Shamet may require a trade, with 20-year-old Pacôme Dadiet emerging as a possible candidate. Drafted 25th overall in 2024, Dadiet appeared in only 18 games for New York, averaging 1.7 points.
According to James Edwards III of The Athletic, “Given Dadiet’s age, size (6-8, 210) and projected profile if his development shakes out, he has more value around the league than the likes of youngsters Tyler Kolek or Ariel Hukporti.” A trade could help New York clear cap space while adding depth and maintaining both veteran guards on the roster.
Building a Deeper, More Flexible Team
Brogdon’s addition is central to Brown’s vision: a deeper, more dynamic rotation that can relieve starters, sustain offensive pace, and improve bench defense.
If Brogdon can stay healthy, he could be the linchpin that transforms New York’s bench from a liability into a strength, supporting Brunson, Towns, and the team’s championship aspirations.
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