There is some clarity in how Knicks head coach Mike Brown will handle the first preseason game.

He expects to use his starters against the 76ers on Monday in Philadelphia “but not much.” 

It’ll instead be a chance to evaluate some of the Knicks’ youngsters and newcomers battling for the final roster spot. He’ll look for something in particular. 

Head coach Mike Brown speaks with members of the media during Knicks practice at their training facility in Tarrytown, N.Y. on Sept. 30, 2026. Corey Sipkin for NY Post

“Any time you have new guys, because we have new guys on this team that we’re trying to mix in with guys that have been here, you’re gonna make some mistakes,” Brown said after practice Saturday. “I’m 100 percent OK with that.

“The little things I’m looking for are, when someone makes a mistake, how quickly do they try to make up for the mistake? I’m huge on next-play speed. There’s gonna be a lot of mistakes, but are guys gonna drop their heads or look confused or hesitate?” 

---

OG Anunoby was adamant entering last year about feeling a bit underrecognized as one of the league’s best defenders and campaigned for himself to be in the Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-Defensive conversations. 

OG Anunoby looks to make a move on Zion Williamson during the first quarter of the Knicks’ win over the Pelicans on March 24, 2026 at Madison Square Garden. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST

He got a bit of recognition, making second-team All-Defensive and finishing 10th in Defensive Player of the Year voting. 

But with the publicity of a championship run, Anunoby believes now is the time for more accolades. 

“Throughout the season, that’s where more recognition will come,” Anunoby said Saturday. “This next season, I think I put it on display every night, the versatility, being able to guard anyone and affect the game offensively and defensively. I’m a two-way player, that’s what I take pride in, helping the team win games. I think I’ve always done it. 

“Maybe there’s more of an eye on it right now because we just won the championship. That’s what I pride myself in.”