James Wiseman Has a Path Onto the Knicks—and One Skill Could Unlock It

James Wiseman is making his Knicks roster case with finishes at the rim. How a focused role could turn his preseason opportunity into a fresh start.

James Wiseman’s opportunity with the New York Knicks may depend on how reliably he performs a specific job: getting to the basket and giving his teammates a target above the rim.

The early preseason has provided encouraging examples. Wiseman produced eight points and five rebounds in nine minutes against Philadelphia, then showed his finishing ability again against Washington.

The James Wiseman Knicks roster discussion remains an open competition. Still, his performances offer a plausible route forward: earn trust through a clear role, then build from there.

Wiseman Gives Knicks Guards a Target Near the Basket

Against Washington, Jose Alvarado found Wiseman for multiple alley-oop opportunities. The center also finished a pass near the rim with a dunk, demonstrating the kind of connection that could make him useful in reserve lineups.

Those actions matter because a credible finishing threat can affect more than the final shot.

When a center moves decisively toward the basket, the defense must account for the pass over the top. That can complicate the opposing big man’s decision about whether to step toward the ball handler or remain closer to the rim.

This is the tactical opportunity Wiseman’s preseason flashes suggest. His movement could help create choices for New York’s guards, provided the timing and execution remain consistent.

A Focused Role Could Help His Bid to Stay

Wiseman does not need to showcase every part of his game on every possession to strengthen his candidacy.

For a center competing for a supporting role, setting an effective screen, reaching the right finishing spot and completing an available opportunity can provide substantial value. Those responsibilities also give the coaching staff specific actions to evaluate.

The same clarity applies when the ball goes elsewhere. Continuing toward the rim can put a big man in position to contest a rebound or occupy a defender.

A manageable assignment, performed repeatedly, could give Wiseman a stronger foundation than occasional standout plays.

His Preseason Minutes Offer a Chance to Prove More

Wiseman played nine minutes against Washington. Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond combined for the other 39 minutes at center, while Tony Bradley and Drew Eubanks did not enter the game.

That distribution is relevant to the competition, although one exhibition does not settle the depth chart.

It shows that Wiseman received an opportunity to demonstrate his fit behind the two established big men. The next step is making those minutes consistently useful, especially when the initial lob or easy finish is unavailable.

How he responds to less favorable possessions will be important. Reserve roles require players to contribute even when they receive few touches.

Finishing Must Be Matched by Defensive Reliability

Wiseman’s offensive flashes are a reason to keep watching. Securing a place on a championship roster requires a broader evaluation.

Mike Brown must consider how a potential reserve center handles screening actions, communicates with teammates and helps complete defensive possessions. A productive dunk at one end loses some of its value if the lineup repeatedly breaks down at the other.

These are evaluation criteria rather than conclusions about Wiseman’s entire preseason. The available offensive highlights cannot answer every question about his readiness.

The strongest case for keeping him would combine a useful finishing role with dependable work when New York does not have the ball.

A Fresh Start Depends on Repeatable Contributions

The early signs give Wiseman something concrete to build on. His production against Philadelphia and connection with Alvarado against Washington show ways he could support New York’s offense.

Now he needs to demonstrate that those contributions can hold up across different combinations and situations.

For the Knicks, the decision is whether his particular strengths meet a need on the roster. For Wiseman, the opportunity is to establish a role in which coaches know what they can expect when he enters.

His path starts at the rim. Turning it into a lasting place in New York will require consistency on both ends of the floor.