The New York Knicks have made a notable roster decision, opting to waive 7-foot-2 center Moses Brown, a former Los Angeles Clippers player, as they continue to refine their lineup ahead of the new NBA season. This move comes as the Knicks aim to maintain roster flexibility and focus on building a team that can compete in the highly competitive Eastern Conference.
Moses Brown, known for his towering presence and shot-blocking abilities, has had a journeyman career in the NBA since going undrafted in 2019. After showing promise with several teams, including the Clippers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Cleveland Cavaliers, Brown joined the Knicks with hopes of securing a spot in their rotation. However, with a crowded frontcourt and competition for minutes at the center position, the Knicks ultimately decided to part ways with the 24-year-old big man.
A Closer Look at the Decision
The decision to waive Moses Brown reflects the Knicks’ focus on maintaining flexibility and finding the best roster balance as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season. With established big men like Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein already occupying the center position, and promising young talent Jericho Sims vying for minutes, the Knicks found themselves with a logjam in the frontcourt.
Moses Brown’s release is part of the team’s efforts to streamline its lineup and create more opportunities for players who fit head coach Tom Thibodeau’s system. Thibodeau has consistently emphasized the importance of defense, rebounding, and rim protection, attributes that Brown possesses. However, with Robinson and Hartenstein entrenched in the rotation, there was little room for Brown to carve out a consistent role.
By waiving Brown, the Knicks also gain greater flexibility with their two-way contracts and G League affiliate, the Westchester Knicks. This move opens up a spot that could be used to bring in a player with a different skill set or to invest in developing young talent who could potentially grow into a more significant role down the line.
Moses Brown’s Journey: From Undrafted to the NBA
Moses Brown’s journey to the NBA has been marked by perseverance and determination. After going undrafted in 2019 out of UCLA, he initially signed with the Portland Trail Blazers and later found opportunities with the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he had his breakout performance. During his time with the Thunder, Brown showcased his ability to dominate the boards, recording a 20-point, 20-rebound game that put him on the radar as a potential developmental big man.
Following his stint in Oklahoma City, Brown’s career saw him move through several teams, including the Dallas Mavericks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Clippers. With each stop, Brown brought his shot-blocking prowess and rebounding ability, but consistency on the offensive end remained a challenge. His size and ability to protect the rim made him an intriguing option for teams looking to bolster their interior defense, but carving out a stable role in the NBA has proved difficult.
The Knicks saw potential in Brown, signing him with the hope that his size and shot-blocking skills could provide depth behind their primary centers. However, with limited opportunities in the preseason and the emergence of other young big men like Jericho Sims, Brown became the odd man out in the Knicks’ plans.
What This Means for the Knicks
The decision to waive Moses Brown highlights the Knicks’ commitment to optimizing their roster as they aim to build on their success from last season. The team, which made a return to the playoffs and advanced to the second round in the 2022-2023 season, is looking to solidify its standing as a contender in the Eastern Conference.
Mitchell Robinson remains a key part of the Knicks’ defensive identity, serving as a rim protector and elite rebounder. Isaiah Hartenstein, known for his passing and energy off the bench, provides a different dynamic that complements Robinson’s skill set. Additionally, Jericho Sims, with his athleticism and potential, offers the Knicks a promising young option who can develop further with more playing time.
Waiving Brown also gives the Knicks the ability to monitor the waiver wire for other potential signings or make room for a surprise standout in training camp or preseason. As the team focuses on finding the right blend of players who can thrive in Thibodeau’s system, this move is a strategic one aimed at ensuring that each roster spot is filled with a player who can contribute to the team’s long-term goals.What’s Next for Moses Brown?
For Moses Brown, the waiver represents another chapter in a career that has seen him adapt to various roles across the NBA. Given his size and rebounding ability, he is likely to attract interest from other teams in need of depth at the center position, especially those seeking to shore up their interior defense. Brown’s ability to alter shots in the paint and clean up on the boards makes him an asset in certain matchups, and his experience in different systems could help him find a new home.
The G League also remains a potential avenue for Brown to continue refining his game, where he could focus on improving his offensive consistency and developing a more reliable presence in the paint. His size alone makes him a valuable piece for any team looking to add height and shot-blocking, and a strong showing in the G League could earn him another NBA opportunity.
Looking Ahead for the Knicks
As the Knicks prepare for the upcoming season, the focus remains on building a roster that can compete in a deep and challenging Eastern Conference. With Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, and RJ Barrett leading the charge, and a solid supporting cast around them, the Knicks are aiming to make another strong playoff push and solidify their status as a competitive force in the league.
The decision to waive Moses Brown is just one of many moves the team will make as they continue to assess their needs and adjust their roster. For the Knicks, maintaining flexibility is crucial as they look for ways to maximize their potential and keep pace with other rising teams in the East.
While Brown’s time with the Knicks may have been brief, the move is a reminder of the tough decisions teams must make to shape their rosters. As the season approaches, the Knicks will continue to refine their team and ensure that they have the right mix of players to achieve their goals.