NBA Notes: Knicks, Josh Hart, Nuggets, Nikola Jokic, Spurs

Knicks

The Knicks won’t be at full strength when they open the season Wednesday against the Cavaliers.

Both Mitchell Robinson and Josh Hart have been ruled out, while Karl-Anthony Towns is questionable with a strained right quad, per Newsday’s Steve Popper.

Hart is dealing with lumbar spasms, according to The New York Post’s Jared Schwartz, and Robinson is sitting due to left ankle management. Coach Mike Brown said the team is simply being cautious.

“With Mitch, we just have to be smart,” Brown said. “That’s part of load management. Just because he might be able to play tonight or practice today, that doesn’t mean I’m going to play him.”

Brown, who takes over with championship expectations, told reporters he isn’t skipping steps.

“The Finals don’t happen until June,” he said. “We’ve got a long time to get there. It’s a process, and there will be days we take a step back before we move forward.”

Meanwhile, Towns is still adjusting to Brown’s up-tempo, movement-based offense after years under Tom Thibodeau’s slower system.

“Honestly, I don’t know,” Towns said, via Kristian Winfield of The New York Daily News. “It’s just different.”

Brown isn’t worried, saying Towns will find his rhythm once he settles into multiple spots in the offense, including the corners, wings, and dunker’s spot.

Nuggets

The Nuggets’ front office has made one thing clear — keeping Nikola Jokic happy is the priority.

“We’d be crazy not to listen to his input,” executive VP Ben Tenzer told The Athletic’s Sam Amick. “He’s a brilliant basketball mind. Sometimes he has strong opinions, sometimes he doesn’t, but it’s always important to connect with him. It’s a sign of respect.”

Denver’s leadership has leaned into collaboration since reshuffling its front office over the summer, aiming to ensure that Jokic remains the centerpiece of both the roster and the organization’s future.

Spurs

Keldon Johnson might not generate trade buzz the way he used to, but inside the Spurs’ locker room, he’s viewed as part of the foundation.

“His role has evolved numerous times, and he’s never wavered in his commitment or enthusiasm to be here,” coach Mitch Johnson said, via Jeff McDonald of The San Antonio Express-News.

Once a young scorer trying to find his place, Johnson has become one of the team’s emotional leaders, a tone-setter for the next generation led by Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell.