New Knicks Rumors on Roster Plans After Drew Eubanks' Pectoral Injury Ahead of NBA Season Opener

The New York Knicks will be forced to pivot after losing veteran center Drew Eubanks to a torn pectoral injury.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Knicks are expected to waive Eubanks, who had been competing for a roster spot. Kristian Winfield noted that Eubanks' absence leaves James Wiseman and Tony Bradley competing for New York's third-string center position, with Wiseman considered "the favorite."

ESPN's Bobby Marks noted that the Knicks will have a salary cap hit of just $15,000 because Eubanks was signed to an Exhibit 9 contract. Without it, the team would have been responsible for his salary during his recovery process.

Eubanks had played in three out of New York's four preseason games, most recently producing eight points, two rebounds, two assists and a block in 15 minutes off the bench in Tuesday's loss to the Toronto Raptors.

A nine-year veteran, Eubanks appeared to be the frontrunner for the Knicks' third center spot thanks to his experience. He spent the 2025-26 campaign with the Sacramento Kings, and he previously played for the Los Angeles Clippers, Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers and San Antonio Spurs.

As Winfield noted, Eubanks' injury opens the door for Wiseman, the 2020 No. 2 pick who is trying to avoid being labeled as a draft bust. In Tuesday's game against Toronto, Wiseman led New York with 18 points on 7-of-8 shooting and 10 rebounds.

The Knicks need depth behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond, so another strong performance for Wiseman in Thursday night's rematch against the Raptors could be enough for him to secure a roster spot.