Malcolm Brogdon stunned the NBA by retiring rather than reporting to the New York Knicks after a rough four-game preseason with New York. He cited a waning hunger and chose to walk away on his own terms, leaving the Knicks to navigate a non-guaranteed Exhibit-9 contract and a potential roster pivot before opening night. The move opens a door for Landry Shamet or Garrison Mathews if New York moves on from a young guard, reshaping guard depth in a rotation led by Brunson.

Brogdon leaves a nine-year résumé highlighted by Rookie of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, and a 50-40-90 season, with career earnings on the court around $132 million. His retirement creates a veteran void in New York while spotlighting how a veteran guard with injury history can impact a title-contending team’s path this season.

Five sleepers outside the top 125 offer big upside as NBA lineups shift: Cam Whitmore (WAS) could push 20 minutes and deliver scoring, rebounds and 3s; Ryan Kalkbrenner (CHA) is the center-in-waiting with 20+ minutes possible; Isaiah Collier (UTA) flashed starter potential, boosting assists and usage. Isaiah Jackson (IND) provides shot-blocking and scoring in mid-minute roles, while Sam Hauser (BOS) could surge with extra run and his shooting stroke.

In best-ball and DK formats, late-round bets on minutes and roles can define seasons. Track preseason cues to pivot as roles crystallize for these five.