The New York Knicks’ preseason opener against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday afternoon marked the debut of four former Boston Celtics players in Knicks jerseys, with Malcolm Brogdon and Guerschon Yabusele drawing particular attention. Both are expected to carve out significant roles in New York’s rotation this season, but their first outing left much to be desired, as the duo combined for a lackluster 1-for-7 shooting performance in a game that hinted at the challenges ahead for the Knicks’ championship aspirations.
In their 12 minutes apiece on the court, Brogdon and Yabusele struggled to find their rhythm. Brogdon, the 2023 NBA Sixth Man of the Year, managed just three points, while Yabusele failed to score entirely. Their combined stat line—1-for-7 from the field and 1-for-5 from three-point range—was far from the spark New York hoped for. Despite the inefficiency, Brogdon showed flashes of his playmaking prowess, keeping the Knicks’ bench unit cohesive and the offense humming during his stint. Yabusele, meanwhile, couldn’t translate his energy into points, a disappointing start for a player looking to cement a meaningful role.
Preseason games, of course, come with caveats. After months away from competitive NBA action, even the most dedicated offseason trainers need time to shake off the rust. These early contests rarely predict a player’s full-season impact, but for Knicks fans dreaming of ending the franchise’s 53-year championship drought, the debut was a sobering reminder that the road to glory won’t be easy.
For Celtics fans, the sight of Brogdon and Yabusele donning Knicks blue and orange stings deeply. The Atlantic Division rivalry between Boston and New York is fierce, and watching former Celtics contribute to a potential Knicks resurgence adds an extra layer of bitterness. Brogdon, who spent just one season in Boston, was a key piece in the Celtics’ 2022-23 campaign, averaging 14.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists on 48.4% field-goal shooting and an impressive 44.4% from beyond the arc in 67 games. His versatility and clutch play were supposed to push Boston over the hump after their 2022 NBA Finals loss, but a forearm injury sidelined him during critical playoff moments, leaving fans with what-ifs.
Yabusele, affectionately known as “The Dancing Bear,” holds a different place in Celtics lore. A 2016 first-round pick (No. 16 overall), he appeared in just 74 games across two seasons, averaging a modest 2.3 points and 1.4 rebounds on 44.2% shooting. Though his on-court contributions were limited, his infectious energy made him a fan favorite, especially during garbage-time minutes. After stints overseas, Yabusele earned his way back to the NBA with the 76ers last season, and now he’s poised for a bigger role with the Knicks.
The Knicks, bolstered by their new additions, are no longer chasing pipe dreams. A championship, last won in 1972, feels within reach for a franchise that has endured decades of frustration. Brogdon’s veteran savvy and Yabusele’s hustle could prove vital in New York’s quest to dethrone the reigning champion Celtics and claim Eastern Conference supremacy. But for Boston fans, any Knicks success—especially with former Celtics in the mix—will feel like a personal slight.
The first real test comes on October 24, when the Celtics visit Madison Square Garden for a regular-season showdown. It’ll be the first chance for Boston fans to see Brogdon and Yabusele in action against their former team, and the emotions will run high. For now, the Knicks’ new era is off to a shaky start, but with time to gel, Brogdon and Yabusele could still prove to be the difference-makers New York needs—and the thorns in Boston’s side that Celtics fans dread.