NBA Notes: Knicks, 2028 Olympics, Magic, Cavs, Mitchell

February 28, 2025

Knicks Eyeing T.J. Warren for Roster Spot as Hard Cap Loosens

The New York Knicks will soon have the flexibility to add a 15th player to their roster, and veteran forward T.J. Warren is among the names on their radar. Currently playing for the team’s G League affiliate in Westchester, Warren has been making his case with dominant performances, including a franchise-record 47-point game on February 7.

“It’s been a blessing,” Warren told SNY. “I just wanted to get some reps and get in the flow of playing basketball again and just show health.”

Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau praised Warren’s approach, noting his professionalism and impact on younger players.

Paolo Banchero Expected to Be a Lock for 2028 Olympic Team

Golden State Warriors head coach and former Team USA coach Steve Kerr believes Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero is on track to represent the U.S. at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. According to Kerr, Banchero was strongly considered for the 2024 team before ultimately being left off due to roster needs.

“He was right in the mix [until] the last second for Paris,” Kerr said. “That’s how strongly we felt about him in the Philippines during the [FIBA] World Cup.”

Banchero’s versatility and skill set make him an ideal candidate for the next Olympic cycle as USA Basketball continues to shape its future roster.

Donovan Mitchell Focused on Playoffs, Not Stats

Cavs star Donovan Mitchell is averaging 24.0 points per game this season—his lowest mark since 2019-20—but he’s embracing the dip in production as a necessary adjustment for a deep playoff run. His 31.1 minutes per game is also a career low, a strategy aimed at keeping him fresh for the postseason.

“My numbers going down? Whatever. But that took time,” Mitchell admitted, acknowledging that earlier in his career, he might not have accepted a reduced statistical output so easily.

With Cleveland poised to make a push in the Eastern Conference, Mitchell’s approach could pay dividends when it matters most.