Former Golden State Warriors center James Wiseman has earned a roster spot with the defending champion New York Knicks for the 2026-27 NBA season. The 25-year-old big man secured the final place after an impressive preseason, beating out veteran Bruce Brown Jr. for the role. This news arrives as the Warriors prepare for their next preseason challenge, coming off a 128-118 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on October 16.
The Knicks brought several veterans to training camp, including Wiseman, Bruce Brown Jr., Tony Bradley, Drew Eubanks and John Konchar. In a surprise move, the team released Brown, Bradley, Eubanks and Konchar, keeping Wiseman as the third-string center behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond. An injury to Eubanks and positional overlap with other guards helped Wiseman's case.
He averaged 8.0 points and 4.3 rebounds across four preseason games. His best performance was an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double on 7-for-8 shooting against the Toronto Raptors. That efficiency and his physical tools ultimately convinced the coaching staff.
Head coach Mike Brown explained the decision came down to Wiseman and Bruce Brown Jr. He praised Brown's professionalism but said Wiseman's unique profile was too compelling to ignore. "When you have a guy that’s 25 years old, that has the length and the athleticism and the talent as a James Wiseman..." Brown told reporters.
The coach highlighted Wiseman's vertical threat on both offense and defense, plus his ability to run the floor. Brown also has a prior connection to the player, having served as associate head coach for the Golden State Warriors during Wiseman's first two NBA seasons.
While Wiseman begins a new chapter in New York, the Warriors are finalizing their own roster ahead of the regular season. The team concluded its preseason schedule with a 128-118 victory over Portland. Other preseason results included a 101-89 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on October 13 and a 111-106 victory against the Sacramento Kings on October 10.
Their final preseason outing is an away game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 21. The Warriors' preseason record stands at 4-2, showing promising form as they build chemistry for the campaign ahead.
Wiseman's path has been defined by significant injuries since the Warriors drafted him second overall. He missed the entire 2021-22 season with a knee injury and then tore his left Achilles tendon in his 2024-25 debut for the Indiana Pacers. Playing only five NBA games in the last two years makes this roster spot a major comeback opportunity.
Securing a role on the reigning champions offers him stability and a chance to develop behind established stars. For the Warriors, it marks the latest update on a former top pick whose career was once central to their future plans. The Knicks open their title defense on October 20 against the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden.
