Knicks Add Matt Ryan and Alex Len to Training Camp Roster Amid Fierce Competition
By Sports Desk
Published: September 21, 2025
The New York Knicks have officially rounded out their 21-man training camp roster, bringing back sharpshooter Matt Ryan and veteran center Alex Len on nonguaranteed deals. The signings, first reported earlier this week, underscore the Knicks’ approach heading into a pivotal season: create internal competition, test the depth chart early, and identify which players can survive the cut when the dust settles.
Both Ryan and Len are considered long shots to earn final roster spots, but their presence adds intrigue to camp and increases the competition across multiple positions. With preseason games scheduled in Abu Dhabi against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 2 and 4, the Knicks will get an early look at how their mix of veterans, young talent, and fringe players perform under head coach Mike Brown’s system.
A Camp Filled With Questions
The Knicks’ decision to invite 21 players to training camp comes at a critical juncture. New York, fresh off a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, has set its sights firmly on contending for an NBA title. With Jalen Brunson blossoming into an All-NBA guard, the arrival of Karl-Anthony Towns in the blockbuster summer trade, and OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges locked in as defensive anchors, expectations around Madison Square Garden have rarely been higher.
Yet, despite a core that seems ready for the challenge, uncertainty remains about how the back end of the roster will shake out. Ryan and Len headline a group of nonguaranteed players hoping to squeeze onto the 15-man roster, but the Knicks’ salary cap situation leaves little wiggle room. As it stands, the team can only keep one veteran on a guaranteed deal without a corresponding move.
That’s where speculation of a trade comes in. League insiders believe Knicks president Leon Rose and senior advisor William Wesley are exploring avenues to create roster and cap flexibility, potentially moving a piece to open up space for more than one veteran addition.
Ryan Returns for Another Shot
Matt Ryan’s story remains one of the most unlikely in recent Knicks history. Just two years ago, the White Plains native was working delivery jobs and fighting to keep his professional basketball dream alive. He got his shot with the Lakers, then briefly with the Timberwolves, before joining the Knicks last November. For a stretch, Ryan cracked Tom Thibodeau’s rotation, providing outside shooting on a team that desperately needed floor spacing.
Though his stint was short-lived — waived in March before the playoff push — Ryan showed flashes of being able to fill the role of a situational shooter. In today’s NBA, where perimeter spacing is a premium commodity, that skill can still carry weight.
Now 28, Ryan comes into camp knowing the odds are stacked against him. Still, his familiarity with Madison Square Garden, his roots in the area, and his ability to knock down threes give him a chance to at least make a strong preseason impression. Even if he doesn’t stick with the Knicks, other teams could come calling.
Len Brings Size and Experience
For Alex Len, the path back to New York comes through a familiar connection. Knicks head coach Mike Brown coached Len during his tenure in Sacramento, and the Ukrainian big man thrived under Brown’s leadership in limited minutes. At 32, Len is no longer the athletic rim protector he was projected to be when drafted fifth overall in 2013, but he still brings size, rebounding, and a veteran presence.
With Mitchell Robinson entrenched as the starting center and Karl-Anthony Towns expected to see plenty of time at the five in smaller lineups, Len’s window for a meaningful role appears narrow. However, his 11 years of NBA experience make him an ideal insurance policy should injuries strike during the season.
The Knicks already have Ariel Hukporti, a 2024 signee from Germany, fighting for minutes at center. Still, Brown’s trust in Len, coupled with his steady locker room influence, could give him a slight edge over other veterans vying for spots.
The Bigger Picture: Brogdon, Shamet, and Mathews
While Ryan and Len are the most recent signings, the real roster battle is expected to come down to Malcolm Brogdon, Landry Shamet, and Garrison Mathews. All three guards signed nonguaranteed deals, with Brogdon standing out as the most likely to secure a permanent role. The 2023 Sixth Man of the Year still has plenty to offer, and the Knicks see him as an integral rotation piece if cap space can be freed.
Shamet, known for his shooting and playoff experience, also has a legitimate chance to stay, while Mathews’ defensive grit makes him a viable dark horse. However, the team’s financial constraints mean difficult decisions loom.
Youth Movement: Diawara and the Two-Way Contracts
The Knicks have also made moves to lock in their younger prospects. Mohamed Diawara, the team’s second-round pick in this year’s draft, has signed his deal and is expected to make the roster. His athleticism and defensive versatility give the Knicks a developmental piece with upside.
The team finalized its three two-way contracts as well: former Nets forward Tosan Evbuomwan, former Lakers forward Trey Jemison III, and 2024 draft pick Kevin McCullar Jr. Two-way contracts allow players to split time between the NBA and the G League, ensuring the Knicks maintain developmental depth.
Notably, Ryan and Len, because of their years of service, are ineligible for two-way deals. That puts even more pressure on them to prove they deserve one of the coveted 15 full-time roster spots.
Mike Brown’s Influence
Much of how this roster battle plays out will depend on Mike Brown. Hired earlier this summer, Brown takes over a Knicks team with championship aspirations and immediate pressure to deliver. Known for his defensive schemes and ability to build disciplined teams, Brown also has a reputation for valuing veterans who understand their roles.
His familiarity with Len, and his respect for Brogdon’s professionalism, could tip the balance in their favor. At the same time, Brown is not expected to shy away from giving younger players real opportunities, as seen with the commitment to Diawara and the two-way signees.
The Road to Abu Dhabi
The Knicks’ preseason trip to Abu Dhabi provides a unique backdrop to this training camp. Beyond the global marketing opportunities, the games against the 76ers will be the first test of how Brown’s rotations might look and which fringe players can seize the moment.
For Ryan and Len, those games could represent their best shot to prove they belong. A few standout performances in an international spotlight could change the calculus for the front office.
Full Training Camp Roster
Here’s where the Knicks stand heading into camp:
- Guaranteed contracts: OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, Jalen Brunson, Jordan Clarkson, Pacôme Dadiet, Josh Hart, Ariel Hukporti, Tyler Kolek, Miles McBride, Mitchell Robinson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Guerschon Yabusele
- Nonguaranteed contracts: Malcolm Brogdon, Mohamed Diawara, Alex Len, Garrison Mathews, Matt Ryan, Landry Shamet
- Two-way contracts: Tosan Evbuomwan, Trey Jemison III, Kevin McCullar Jr.
Looking Ahead
The Knicks are at a crossroads between championship contention and roster management headaches. For players like Matt Ryan and Alex Len, this camp could mark the difference between another NBA opportunity and the end of their New York journey. For the front office, the challenge is balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term flexibility.
Fans should expect fireworks in the coming weeks — whether it’s a preseason standout, a surprise cut, or a trade that reshapes the depth chart. One thing is certain: competition will be fierce, and nothing is guaranteed.
