Mike Brown will try to ‘unlock’ Knicks draft pick with ‘big-time motor’, he has high potential

Wally Szczerbiak thinks Brown will unlock Ariel Hukporti’s full potential

Ariel Hukporti was drafted into the NBA as the 58th pick in 2024.

The center did not get a lot of game time in his rookie season, but when he showed up, Hukporti looked like a player with potential.

His eight-point performance in the regular season game against the Philadelphia 76ers in particular showed the world what he could do if given a chance.

He even featured in a few playoff games, but Szczerbiak believes the arrival of Brown will truly bring the best out of Hukporti.

Speaking on MSG Network, he said: “When he got that knee injury it was tough timing for him. He was just coming into his own.

“His rookie season he showed a lot of potential, he has a big-time motor, this guy plays hard.

“That’s the type of guy Mike Brown loves, they come in, with a lunch pail and a hardhat, and they come to work every single day.

“That’s going to be a big part of what Mike Brown’s going to do, unlock Hukporti and his career.”

Brown will rejuvenate the Knicks playing style

Brown is coming into the role after being fired by the Sacramento Kings in December 2024.

He helped the team end their 16-year playoff drought in 2023 and led them to a historic offensive season.

The Kings team played fast basketball led by De’Aaron Fox, but players like Domantas Sabonis, Malik Monk and Keegan Murray were also vital cogs.

This shows that Brown can involve multiple players in the game and get the best out of them.

The Knicks have a brilliant roster, but many times under Thibodeau, the problem was their usage.

He used a short rotation and this led to many players not getting a chance, but Brown is a coach that will use the depth to his advantage.

The 55-year-old likes playing fast-paced basketball, which the Knicks can play with players like Jalen Brunson and Jordan Clarkson on their roster.

However, Brown can also draw plays for Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns to either use their mid-range or three-point shooting ability to help the team out.

He has a versatile style of coaching, but the emphasis is on winning and giving 100% on the court, something that fans will be hoping the Knicks display next season.