Landry Shamet is turning a preseason opportunity into a real conversation in New York.
Through just 27 minutes, the Knicks guard has put up 23 points, hitting 8 of 15 shots and 5 of 9 from deep. That kind of efficiency would stand out in any setting, but it carries extra weight here because Shamet came into camp with questions hanging over him after signing a four-year, $24 million extension.
Now the idea that he could carve out a bigger slice of the rotation is gaining traction. Kento Kato of Sports Illustrated notes that Shamet’s shooting could open the door to more sixth-man minutes and even force a rethink of Miles McBride’s role.
It’s still preseason, and that matters. But Shamet has done enough to make New York take a closer look.
Brooklyn, meanwhile, has spent the preseason giving its supporters a few reasons to smile.
The Nets are 2-0 so far, rolling past Charlotte by 34 and beating Philadelphia in LeBron James’ preseason debut. Ivan White of Sports Illustrated says the more encouraging part isn’t just the wins themselves, but the way Brooklyn’s young players have developed and how quickly the new additions have made an impact.
No one is pretending that two exhibition wins rewrite the outlook. The Nets are still expected to land near the bottom of the Eastern Conference. But they’ve at least built a little momentum and some positive energy before the games start counting for real.
In San Antonio, Julian Champagnie may not be starting as often this season, but that doesn’t seem to be changing his mindset.
Dylan Harper called him a Swiss Army Knife, saying, “I feel like he’s a Swiss Army Knife,” and adding, “He gives you whatever you need.”
Champagnie started 68 games last season, but the Spurs’ deeper roster could send him back to the bench more often. He doesn’t sound concerned about that possibility.
“I think we all have one goal … to win,” Champagnie said. “However we get there is however we get there.”
Mitch Johnson has been just as direct about what Champagnie brings. The coach said, “Julian’s done whatever’s asked of him.”
Champagnie’s own summary was the simplest of all.
“I just like being here,” he said. “Whatever the team needs me to do, that’s how I’m going to do it.”
In Other News...
Egor Demin Is Giving The Nets A Reason To Watch Closely
Egor Demin has already given the Nets a little something to monitor as the season takes shape, and it starts with the way he talks about his role. The young guard-forward has made clear he wants to help in whatever way the team needs, whether that means handling the ball or working alongside another creator, and he has framed his approach around winning rather than chasing numbers. For a Brooklyn group still sorting through its long-term pieces, that kind of flexibility is exactly the sort of trait that can make a prospect stand out.
Coach Jordi Fernndez has noticed the progress, too, pointing to how much Demin has improved since last year and how his voice is starting to carry more weight. That matters for a Nets team looking for players who can grow into bigger responsibilities without needing everything scripted for them. Demin is not the only young player around the league drawing attention for versatility, but in Brooklyn, his development has started to feel like one of the more relevant storylines to keep an eye on. [Read more 🡒]
Nets Fans Are Still Waiting For The First Real Mikel Brown Jr. Look
Mikel Brown Jr. arrived in Brooklyn with the kind of profile that usually gets a fan base dreaming quickly. The No. 6 pick has already drawn praise inside the organization for his leadership and the way he plays, and the Nets see him as a point guard who can help organize the offense with both scoring and passing. He has also been grinding through a demanding daily routine as he works to add the strength needed for NBA contact, a reminder that even top picks often need time before the league fully reveals them.
For now, though, Nets fans are still waiting for their first real look at him in game action. Brown Jr. has been recovering from a rolled ankle, and his participation in the upcoming preseason game is uncertain, which leaves his debut on hold a little longer than anyone around the team probably hoped. The anticipation is part of the process with a young guard like this, but Brooklyn would like to start seeing the shape of what it drafted, especially with preseason opportunities beginning to matter. [Read more 🡒]
Egor Demin Is Forcing A Real Nets Rotation Conversation
Egor Demin has spent Nets training camp and the early preseason making himself part of the conversation, and that alone is a meaningful step after an uneven rookie season. The young guard has shown more comfort, more versatility and a better feel for how Brooklyn wants to play, enough for the coaching staff to note real progress as he works to carve out a larger role.
For a team still sorting out its rotation, Demins growth adds another layer to the decisions ahead. Brooklyn is experimenting with different lineup combinations in the preseason as it looks for ways to maximize spacing and flexibility, and that kind of tinkering can open doors for players who keep stacking good days. The question now is whether Demins momentum holds once the games start to count and the Nets have to settle on who fits where. [Read more 🡒]