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…and just like that, Knicks basketball is back — sort of. Here’s a New York basketball summer league preview, with one question I’ll be looking to get answered by five different players who are participating: nytimes.com/athletic/64760…

Brown on Thibs: "He's a tremendous coach and friend of mine. I don't want to get into the past. I'm excited about the roster and things we're going to put in place here."

Brown on holding players accountable: "In general, that is part of my job. That's one of my values. Not just for players but myself. I expect people to hold me accountable. It's about relationships."

Brown on if he can see areas where the team can improve defensively: "I thought what the group did this past year in the playoffs just shows their potential. Not just defensively but offensively, too. I look forward to putting a plan in place."

Brown says he and Leon Rose have a history.

Brown on if he get told why he was fired from Sacramento: "I don't want to get into it. That's behind me. I'm here in New York."

Brown on coaching star players in the past: "That's part of my evolution. I've learned a lot from those guys. ... They're all different. That's what makes my experience, background, be unique."

Brown said he and Rose will collaborate to finalize a coaching staff. Isn't sure how long the process will take.

Mike Brown on if there is a Mike Brown way to play or does he adjust: "You have a philosophy on both ends of the floor that you have to make sure fits with your personnel."

“Our goal, starting with (James) Dolan, to Leon, to the players, all the way down to the fans is to build a sustainable, winning culture that produces championships. That’s why I’m here.” Wrote about Mike Brown, the new Knicks coach, after his presser: nytimes.com/athletic/64760…

“I respect Leon’s (Rose) process. I feel like I’m a detailed guy, thorough with everything I try to do. It’s no different here…. “The outcome, obviously, is exciting for me because I’m sitting in the seat that I wanted to be in.” nytimes.com/athletic/64760…

Pregame reading for tonight's Cooper Flagg vs. Bronny showdown here in Vegas, at The Athletic... Christian Clark on the "Maine Event" - nytimes.com/athletic/64719… Dan Woike on Bronny's journey entering Year No. 2 nytimes.com/athletic/64834…

Knicks' summer league is about to kick off. Mikal Bridges is here to watch the young guys.

Deuce McBride is here, too.

Knicks starters: Kolek, Dadiet Beauchamp, McCullar and Hukporti.

KAT is here, too

This has been about as bad of a start to summer league game as a team can have. Bad, sloppy turnovers. Missing easy and tough shots. Knicks have scored four points halfway into the 1Q. No one has been able to stay in front of Ron Holland.

Still have my Bufkin stock tucked away.

END OF 1Q: Pistons 21, Knicks 15. New York had as six field goals and five turnovers. Defense got better late but offense has been pretty brutal.

Thoughts and observation from the Knicks’ first summer league game, with a focus on Mike Brown’s philosophy: nytimes.com/athletic/64893…