Mike Brown breaks down why Trey Jemison was Knicks ‘defensive player of the game’ vs Philadelphia 76ers

Brown sees great potential in Jemison

As an undrafted player in the 2023 class, Jemison has been working hard to earn a regular spot in the NBA. He has played for multiple teams around the league, earning two-way contracts with the New Orleans Pelicans and the Los Angeles Lakers.

During his stint with the Lakers, he played 22 games in which he was not a standout, but he was a decent big man. The Lakers waived Jemison in the summer of 2025, but he landed on his feet with the Knicks on another two-way contract.

In the preseason, the 25-year-old center showed that he can be a serviceable big man for Mike Brown. The Knicks’ head coach was impressed with how Jemison and Pacome Dadiet played against the 76ers in the preseason game at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

“Our defensive player of the game tonight was Trey Jemison, and it was him, because he played eight or nine minutes, and he had two verticalities. I mean, they were picture-perfect. He went over to help, he went vertical, he took the hit, he didn’t fold, there was no foul,” Brown said after the game.

“And you can see how tough it is for a guy to take that hit and still try to finish. Trey impacted the game at an extremely high level on the defensive floor.”

The Knicks’ depth is impressive heading into the 2025-26 season

Players like Jemison and Dadiet are proof that the Knicks have impressive depth. They will likely get sporadic minutes during the regular season, but they will stand out if they are given the chance amid all the Knicks’ changes.

Brown will want to take advantage of that, as the Knicks have been top-heavy for a long while. The stars like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns are productive, but the Knicks must take care of their minutes so they will be fresh for the Playoffs.

With players like Jemison and Dadiet hungry to contribute, they will be important for the 2025-26 season. The Knicks are already one of the biggest favorites in the Eastern Conference alongside the Cleveland Cavaliers. If they can utilize their depth well, they could compete in the NBA Finals.

It will be a lengthy 82-game season, but the Knicks are focused on cementing themselves as a top team. They have a complete team with talented star players, hard-working role players, and hungry players outside the rotation who want to make a difference like Jemison.