The New York Knicks made their first roster cuts of training camp, waiving veteran guard John Konchar and center N'Faly Dante on Wednesday. Both players were signed in September but were let go after just one day of practice, narrowing the competition for the team's final regular-season spots.
The team did not provide a specific reason for the moves. Konchar, 30, chose the Knicks over other interested teams like the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic. He brought five years of NBA experience, averaging 4.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 steals last season. His non-guaranteed contract meant he was never a lock for the final roster despite his rebounding and defensive skills from the backcourt.
Dante's situation was different. He arrived on an Exhibit 10 contract after a torn ACL ended his time with the Atlanta Hawks last season. These deals are often a pathway to a G League assignment, but they don't guarantee an NBA spot. The Knicks' announcement didn't detail his medical status or practice participation, leaving his immediate future unclear.
Konchar's departure removes one experienced perimeter option from a crowded field. He was part of a group of five veterans on non-guaranteed deals, including Bruce Brown, Ochai Agbaji, James Wiseman, and Drew Eubanks. That competition remains wide open. Brown and Agbaji are still fighting for wing minutes behind the established starters.
Wiseman and Eubanks provide the size needed behind primary big men Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond. Coach Mike Brown must now balance positional needs with which player is most ready to contribute when a rotation regular is out. The remaining invitees have preseason games to state their case.
For Dante, a stint with the Westchester Knicks, the team's G League affiliate, is a possible next step. Exhibit 10 contracts can include a bonus for players who join the affiliate, but it's not automatic. Konchar, now a free agent, will look for another opportunity after his brief New York stop.
For the Knicks, the focus shifts to integrating their core after a successful playoff run. Final roster decisions will hinge on who best fits the specific needs of a championship-level bench.
