NBA Notes: Knicks, Malcolm Brogdon, Pelicans, Kevon Looney, Suns

Knicks

Malcolm Brogdon’s sudden retirement caught just about everyone off guard. According to James L. Edwards III and Fred Katz of The Athletic, the veteran guard had been penciled in for a rotation spot and a real role under coach Mike Brown. Then, within a matter of days, he changed course.

Per The Athletic, Brogdon’s decision came down to the grind — the toll of constant injuries, mentally and physically. He wasn’t planning to retire entering camp but realized he no longer wanted to fight through the recovery cycles.

His exit also clears an unexpected path for Landry Shamet to make the regular-season roster without any additional moves.

Meanwhile, SNY’s Ian Begley reports the Knicks plan to closely monitor Mitchell Robinson’s minutes this season. Robinson, who missed the second half of their last preseason game with soreness, has been paired with Karl-Anthony Towns in the starting lineup. The team will rest him strategically after several years of lower-body issues.

Pelicans

Kevon Looney will be sidelined at least two to three weeks with a sprained ligament in his left knee, the Pelicans announced. The veteran center was injured in a preseason matchup on October 5 and will be reevaluated later this month.

Looney signed a two-year deal this summer after ten seasons and two championships with Golden State. His presence was meant to stabilize a young frontcourt that includes second-year big Yves Missi and rookie Derik Queen, who’s still rehabbing from wrist surgery.

With both Looney and Queen out, Karlo Matkovic — who averaged 7.7 points and 5.0 rebounds in limited minutes last season — could see a bigger role early on.

Suns

Phoenix has waived Damion Baugh and Tyrese Samuel, the team announced. Both players signed Exhibit 10 deals earlier this month and are expected to land with the Valley Suns, the franchise’s G League affiliate.

Baugh, a 6-foot-4 guard out of TCU, played 15 games for the Hornets last season and averaged 7.3 points and 3.7 assists. Samuel, a 6-foot-10 forward from Florida, averaged 10.8 points and 7.3 boards with the Valley Suns last year.

If they spend at least 60 days with the G League squad, both are eligible for an $85,300 bonus — a nice incentive for what amounts to a developmental year in the desert.