Knicks' Malcolm Brogdon entering the new season with bold expectations

Malcolm Brogdon is fighting for a spot on the New York Knicks roster. He signed a non-guaranteed deal with the franchise in September. The common consensus is that he will remain with the team and earn a rotation spot. 

However, the Knicks have also added Landry Shamet on a similar contract. If New York wants to keep both veterans, it must find a willing trade partner for one of the younger talents in the rotation. However, that doesn't appear to be of concern to Brogdon, who is exuding nothing but confidence.

Malcolm Brogdon confident in ability to carve out a role with Knicks

During a recent conversation with Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, Brogdon boldly shared his expectation of being a rotation player within Mike Brown's roster this season.

"I view myself as having a skillset and being a versatile enough player to crack any rotation in the league," Brogdon said. "So, I expect to do that here as well."

The Knicks are one of the biggest contenders in the Eastern Conference. It makes sense for the coaching staff to lean on veteran talents, rather than the developmental skills of younger prospects such as Pacome Dadiet or Miles McBride. Nevertheless, the Knicks will undoubtedly want to complete a full evaluation of Brogdon before committing to him for the upcoming season.

Malcolm Brogdon's injuries are a concern 

Brogdon has struggled with injury issues throughout his career. New York will be very aware of those struggles and the risks they pose if it incorporates Brogdon into its hunt for a championship. 

It won't be lost on anyone that Brogdon has played in under 40 games in three out of the last four seasons. The problem is, when healthy, Brogdon is among the most reliable guards in the NBA, especially in terms of turnovers, where he averages a stingy 1.7 per game for his career, despite dishing out 4.7 dimes. 

The Knicks are balancing risk with reward and factoring in the need for veteran know-how over the additional burst a younger player provides off the bench. So, while Brogdon's comments may have come too early, his confidence is likely born out of experience and an understanding of what he brings to the table and what the Knicks need heading into the new season. The Knicks and Brogdon may already be a done deal, but until a trade is made to create the room for him and Shamet, nothing is set in stone.