NBA Notes: Knicks, Jalen Brunson, Rockets, Daishen Nix, Team USA

Knicks

With Malcolm Brogdon suddenly retiring, the Knicks are evaluating their next move at backup point guard.

As New York Post reporters Stefan Bondy and Peter Botte outline, the team has three choices — make a trade, give second-year guard Tyler Kolek a real shot, or go committee-style with Miles McBride, Jordan Clarkson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges handling extra ball-handling duties.

Jalen Brunson isn’t sweating it.

“We’re in good hands, great hands,” Brunson said, via Botte. “Kolek’s been getting better every day. Deuce has been getting better every day. Those guys come in and work nonstop. When their number’s called, they’ll be ready.”

Head coach Mike Brown echoed that confidence, telling Botte the Knicks will “figure it out” from within.

“We feel like we have a deep roster. A lot of guys will have an opportunity to grab whatever minutes are available,” Brown said.

Meanwhile, forward Guerschon Yabusele is still finding his rhythm after a slow preseason start. He’s shooting 3-for-13 through three games and admits there’s an adjustment period.

“It’s a new team with new guys,” Yabusele said, via Bondy. “I’m trying to fit into the system and be a solution, not a problem.”

Rockets

The Rockets have added a pair of guards, signing Daishen Nix and Caleb McConnell, per Keith Smith of Spotrac.

Nix, who began his career in Houston and has appeared in 99 NBA games, returns after a year split between the Timberwolves and the G League’s Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

He averaged 15.3 points and seven assists for the Vipers last season but struggled with turnovers and efficiency.

McConnell, a 6-foot-7 defensive specialist out of Rutgers, spent last season with the Greensboro Swarm and averaged 6.8 points and 5.9 boards per game. A two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, he’s expected to join the Vipers as well.

Both players likely signed Exhibit 10 contracts, which would make them eligible for bonuses up to $85,300 if they spend at least 60 days in the G League.

Team USA

New head coach Erik Spoelstra is officially in charge of Team USA, and managing director Grant Hill says the mission is clear.

“Winning the World Cup is our first order of business,” Hill told reporters, via Joe Vardon of The Athletic.

The U.S. hasn’t claimed the title since 2014, finishing seventh in 2019 and fourth in 2023. Hill said the goal now is to build a deeper pipeline while identifying the next wave of stars — a group that could include Cooper Flagg and Evan Mobley by 2027.

“The world is getting better,” Hill said, “but we are too. We have great young players in this country. It’s on me to get out and recruit and share the importance of doing this.”