Knicks’ Pre‑Season Preview: Who’s Already Standing Out?

The first couple of preseason match‑ups have left the New York Knicks with a 0‑2 record, but that raw win‑loss column tells only half the story. In October, coaches are more interested in how pieces fit together, who’s adapting to a new system, and where hidden gems might be hiding.

If you ask anyone watching the tape, three names keep popping up as early‑season bright spots. First, there’s Jalen Brunson – the team’s on‑court general – who finally got his wrist out of the way and is looking surprisingly at ease. Then you have Andre Drummond, the veteran big man who’s showing he can still be a solid rim protector in a Knicks uniform. Finally, the bench‑unit, a collection of youngsters and role‑players, is giving fans something to whisper about when the regular season begins.

1. Jalen Brunson – the heartbeat of the squad. After offseason wrist surgery, most fans braced for a cautious, almost tentative, return. What we got instead was a guard who handled the ball like he’d never missed a beat. He ran the offense, made crisp decisions, and even found the basket on a handful of drives. Sure, his three‑point shooting was a little choppy – 1‑for‑6 against Washington – but his overall feel for the game felt comfortable, as if the surgery never happened. In those moments when he pulled up for a jumper, you could see the same confidence that made him a reliable scorer for the Knicks last season.

2. Andre Drummond – the big‑man surprise. It’s easy to overlook a player who’s often labeled a “rebounder” and a “screen‑setter,” but Drummond’s early looks have been a pleasant surprise. He’s not just crashing the boards; he’s altering shots, finishing put‑backs, and even slipping a mid‑range jumper when the defense collapses. His energy on the floor is infectious, and the younger front‑court players seem to be feeding off his physicality. In a league that’s increasingly focused on spacing, having a center who can still dominate the paint is a subtle, yet valuable, advantage.

3. The bench – depth you didn’t know you had. The Knicks have been quiet about the contributions of the role‑players, but preseason minutes have illuminated a few names worth watching. Pacôme Dadiet, the 2024 first‑round pick, got a taste of real‑time action and showed he can hold his own against seasoned reserves. Meanwhile, a few veterans on the periphery, like the returning swing‑man, have been doing the little‑things – setting solid screens, defending with intensity, and even providing a spark off the bench when the starters needed a breather. It’s that kind of depth that can turn a long regular‑season schedule into a manageable grind.

Coach Mike Brown’s philosophy this preseason has been to keep the offense “real generic,” a phrase that sounds bland but actually serves a purpose: it forces players to rely on fundamentals instead of set plays. The result? A roster that’s been forced to solve problems on the fly – a good rehearsal for the inevitable chaos of October‑November regular‑season games.

So, while the win column reads 0‑2, the internal scoreboard is lighting up with positive signs. Brunson’s health feels confirmed, Drummond’s presence is reassuring, and the bench is quietly building chemistry. If the Knicks can translate those early flashes into consistency, the preseason may end up looking like a warm‑up that set the tone for a deeper run at the NBA Finals.