NBA Notes: Knicks, Mikal Bridges, Pacers, Tony Bradley, Nuggets

Knicks

If there’s one thing new Knicks coach Mike Brown is already changing, it’s the defensive blueprint. And Mikal Bridges is right at the center of it.

Last season, Bridges was Tom Thibodeau’s defensive workhorse, routinely guarding opposing point guards and leading the entire league in one category that no one wants to top: screens faced per game (25). Brown’s plan? Mix it up, and make life tougher for opponents and Bridges’ scouting reports.

“He’ll guard the point of attack sometimes,” Brown said, via Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News. “But if Reggie Miller were still playing, I’d throw him on Reggie. He’s got those long strides, he can stick to shooters, he can bother ball-handlers. We’ll change it up. He won’t always chase shooters or stay glued to the ball.”

The idea is simple, as Brown wants a more aggressive, turnover-forcing defense that fuels transition buckets. Bridges, who has earned his reputation as one of the league’s elite perimeter stoppers, seems ready for the shift.

“Our coverages are just a little different,” he said. “Different verbiage, more emphasis on helping the guy on the ball, being aggressive off the ball. Every coach has their system, but the focus is sharper here.”

In other Knicks news, Josh Hart continues to battle through what’s quietly been a bumpy preseason.

He’s missed back-to-back practices due to illness, and Brown wasn’t sure Wednesday whether Hart’s back spasms — which flared up during the Abu Dhabi trip — have completely gone away. His status for Thursday’s preseason game against the Timberwolves is uncertain.

Pacers

Tony Bradley knows the score. Literally and figuratively. After two years out of the NBA, the big man is back on a non-guaranteed deal and fighting for a roster spot in a crowded Indiana frontcourt.

“I know what’s at stake,” Bradley said, via Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star. “I’m motivated. I’ve been motivated since going down to the G League. My whole mindset’s different now. I see things differently.”

Bradley provided spot minutes down the stretch last season, but with Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman healthy again, his odds are long.

One player who is turning heads, though, is 2024 second-rounder Johnny Furphy.

After a quiet rookie campaign (7.6 MPG in 50 appearances), Furphy has bulked up and impressed coach Rick Carlisle with his energy and feel.

“He’s gotten stronger, maybe even taller,” Carlisle said, via Dopirak. “He’s a hard worker. He helps us with speed, rebounding, pressure on the rim, defense. He’s fearless, unafraid, and just keeps getting better.”

Nuggets

The Nuggets are rounding out their camp roster, adding Terrence Hargrove Jr. and Coleman Hawkins on Exhibit 10 contracts, per Keith Smith of Spotrac.

Hargrove, a 6-foot-4 wing from Saint Louis, suited up for Denver in Summer League and averaged 5.3 points in limited action. Hawkins, a 6-foot-11 forward who spent most of his college career at Illinois before finishing at Kansas State, also played in Las Vegas (though for the Warriors).

Both players are expected to end up in Grand Rapids with the Nuggets’ G League affiliate. Should they remain with the club for at least 60 days, they’ll be eligible for Exhibit 10 bonuses of up to $85,300.

The signings bring Denver to the preseason limit of 21 players.