Jalen Brunson’s first Knicks minutes since wrist surgery are almost here

The last time Jalen Brunson played against another NBA team, he scored 45 points to close out the Finals. On Monday, he is expected to get a much shorter shift when the Knicks open preseason play against Philadelphia.

The limited stint makes sense. Brunson underwent left wrist surgery in July and said in late September that he had been fully cleared. Coach Mike Brown has said his starters will play in the opener, but not much. The Knicks do not need a preseason scoring display from their captain. They need to see him move, handle the ball and leave the game healthy.

Knicks have time to build Brunson back up

Brunson averaged 26.0 points and 6.8 assists last season. His 45-point Game 5 against San Antonio brought New York its first title since 1973 and the Finals MVP award. None of that makes Monday's exhibition meaningless, but it does put the priorities in order. A few clean possessions after surgery are a better result than 25 hard minutes in early October.

The useful part of a limited stint will be watching how Brunson and the other starters share the floor under Brown. New York has spent camp sorting out its depth, including a fight for the final roster place . The starting group does not need an overhaul, but its timing has to return before the games count.

I would pay more attention to Brunson's comfort catching and passing with his left hand than to his point total. He says he is cleared. This is the first public chance to see what that looks like against defenders, with no reason to ask him to play through discomfort for an exhibition result.

The Knicks open the regular season later this month. If Monday gives Brunson an uneventful first run and Brown a chance to test the lineup, the short night will have done its job.