Mike Brown makes ‘unbelievable’ Mikal Bridges claim after getting to know him in New York Knicks training camp

Mike Brown says Mikal Bridges ‘brings a lot of versatility on both sides of the floor’ and is ‘a fantastic human being’

Brown will have many elite players to work with on New York’s roster including Mikal Bridges.

The Knicks gave up a lot to get Bridges back in 2024, surrendering five first-round picks. It was a steep price to pay, but Bridges brings a lot of value on both ends of the floor.

Brown spoke highly of Bridges at Knicks media day.

“Mikal has been one of the guys who has been in here almost every day. Sometimes he comes in twice a day.

“To have a guy like Mikal on your roster is unbelievable, not just because he’s a great basketball player and brings a lot of versatility on both sides of the floor, but he’s a fantastic human being. You can tell his momma raised him right.

“I’m just looking forward to seeing him get out on the floor and do what he does best offensively and defensively.

“Leon and his group being able to lock him up for a number of years gives you a comfort level as a head coach knowing that he’s going to be around for a while.”

The New York Knicks have a great path to get to the 2026 NBA Finals

The Knicks have no excuses coming into the 2025-26 NBA season.

The Knicks were able to add to their depth, bringing in Jordan Clarkson, Guerschon Yabusele and Malcolm Brogdon and they likely won’t have to deal with very stiff competition.

The Boston Celtics are expected to take a step back, with Jayson Tatum recovering from his Achilles surgery and the Indiana Pacers shouldn’t be a threat with Tyrese Haliburton recovering from his Achilles injury.

Therefore, the Knicks’ biggest challengers in the East Conference will be the Cleveland Cavaliers who haven’t been able to get it done in the playoffs and the Orlando Magic who are inexperienced.

The window for opportunity is there for the Knicks, they just have to seize the moment.