Bruce Brown fights for Knicks spot as Leonard, Nets newcomers settle in

Bruce Brown’s path through the NBA has taken another unexpected turn as he arrives at New York Knicks camp without a guaranteed job. Despite appearing in all 82 games for the Denver Nuggets last season, the veteran wing is in camp on a non-guaranteed Exhibit 9 contract and must win a roster spot.

Brown has acknowledged that the muted interest he received in free agency caught him off guard, particularly after logging steady minutes in Denver’s rotation. He pointed to teams’ worries about the second-apron restrictions under the current collective bargaining agreement as one factor limiting his market. Speaking to the New York Post, he said he thought he had performed well in his role but that free agency “wasn’t the case” he expected.

Knicks’ roster math tightens Brown’s window

Reports around the team suggest the Knicks may use their 14th standard roster slot on a big man, which could further squeeze Brown’s chances. The 30-year-old has already suited up for eight franchises in nine years, and he framed this camp as yet another opportunity to prove he belongs.

With New York’s starting group and primary bench unit largely established, Brown sees his route to a contract as embracing whatever role is available and adding a winning mindset. His situation figures to be one of the more closely watched decisions as the Knicks trim their roster before opening night.

Leonard ramps up slowly with Raptors

In Toronto, Kawhi Leonard is taking a measured approach to joining the Raptors’ lineup. Sportsnet reports there is still no firm date for his preseason debut as he works toward full integration with the club. Leonard has said he feels good physically but wants to be deliberate about learning head coach Darko Rajakovic’s system, getting to know the coaching staff and player development group, and adjusting to his new teammates.

For the Raptors, the priority in camp is making Leonard comfortable with the terminology, playbook and expectations that Rajakovic has installed over the past several seasons. The organization appears willing to sacrifice early exhibition reps in favour of a smoother long-term fit.

Demin, Porter Jr. and Randle flash chemistry for Nets

Brooklyn, meanwhile, got a useful look at its young backcourt and revamped frontcourt in Tuesday’s preseason game against Charlotte. Second-year guard Egor Demin drew the start at point guard and responded with six points and five assists in just over 18 minutes. Head coach Jordi Fernández praised Demin’s work running the first unit, noting his willingness to attack the paint and to take shots when they are available.

The Nets also saw encouraging signs from their forward pairing of Michael Porter Jr. and Julius Randle in the same contest, a 34-point victory. The duo combined for 29 points on 10-of-16 shooting, and each set up the other for a three-pointer in the opening quarter. Randle, acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves in a major offseason trade, already appears to be building on-court chemistry with Porter Jr., an early positive for Brooklyn’s plans heading into the new season.