Knicks notes: Drummond the lone newcomer, Shamet on a no-ego bench, Mike Brown embraces the target

The Knicks brought back 10 of the 11 players who logged the most minutes during last season’s championship run, Peter Sblendorio reported on Monday, October 19, a continuity push that leaves Andre Drummond as the group’s only newcomer. Drummond signed to replace Mitchell Robinson, who left for Boston in free agency.

“This is the first time I’m the only new guy to a team, so it feels kind of weird. Like, an outcast trying to fit in,” Drummond said. “But the guys are very welcoming. They made me feel very welcome to be here.”

Landry Shamet, Jose Alvarado and Jordan Clarkson all returned on deals that Sblendorio noted were likely smaller than what they could have found elsewhere, choosing another title run over money or guaranteed minutes. “We want to win for each other,” Shamet said. “We’re willing to take on different roles and know that we’ve got each other’s back.”

Coach Mike Brown, who saw a title defense up close as a Golden State assistant, told Steve Serby in a question-and-answer session that he welcomes the target on New York’s back. “Everybody likes to play the Knicks anyway, especially in MSG, and now it’s just an added carrot to the whole deal,” Brown said, adding that the group’s maturity gives him hope it will handle being the hunted.

Brown also had praise for Bruce Brown, who was waived on Saturday to trim the roster to 14. “Bruce, he’s a winner,” the coach said, per Jared Schwartz. “He shows a level of toughness and versatility. He can guard one through four, but even offensively, he can initiate the offense.”