FAYETTEVILLE — Is New York big enough for two former Arkansas basketball stars?
“I think so,” Ronnie Brewer said. “If not, they’re going to have make room for us, because we’re going to be in there and we’re going to have an impact on both teams I feel like.”
Brewer and Joe Johnson, the last two Razorbacks to be NBA first-round draft picks, moved to New York teams in the off season.
Brewer, a 6-7 guard from Fayetteville who was the 14th overall pick by the Utah Jazz in 2007, signed with the New York Knicks as a free agent after being with the Chicago Bulls the previous two seasons.
Johnson, a 6-8 guard from Little Rock who was the 10th overall pick by the Boston Celtics in 2001, was traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the Brooklyn Nets.
The Knicks and Nets open the season against each other Nov. 1 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Brewer, known for his perimeter defense, said he’ll likely guard Johnson, a six time All-Star.
“I usually get the assignment to guard the best perimeter players, and Joe is well-established in his NBA career,” Brewer said earlier this week after handing out school supplies to children at the Fayetteville Boys and Girls Club. “He’s a great addition to their team. I’m wishing him all the best over there, and I feel like my team is going to do well, too.”
Brewer had several teams try to sign him, but he decided to accept a one-year deal with the Knicks that will pay him the NBA veteran minimum of $1.4 million, according to published reports.
“It wasn’t about a money thing,” Brewer said. “I play the game of basketball because it’s fun and I enjoy doing it. Having fun is winning, and I feel like New York is the best opportunity for me to win now and go deep in the playoffs.
“Hopefully, I’ll do well this year and then I’ll have some good options next year.”
Brewer is among several off season additions for the Knicks. Jason Kidd, Raymond Felton, Marcus Camby and Kurt Thomas also have been added to a returning nucleus of Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudamire, Tyson Chandler and J.R. Smith.
“We’re going to be a fast paced team with Coach Mike Woodson, and a defensive-oriented team.” said Brewer, whose NBA career averages are 9.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.4 steals in 418 games. “They feel like with me on the perimeter, they can take a step forward defensively, so I’m excited about that.”
Brewer is expected to compete with Smith for a starting spot while Iman Shumpert recovers from knee surgery that will sideline him until January.
“Starting or coming off the bench, it doesn’t matter,” Brewer said. “As long as I play and have a significant role. I’m looking forward to playing in the biggest market and in Madison Square Garden, one of the meccas of basketball. I’m excited about that.”
Brewer said he’s not worried about how he’ll deal with the New York media.
“At the end of the day, it’s just basketball,” he said. “The media, I don’t think that’s going to affect how you play. The fans, I don’t think that’s going to affect how you play. You’ve still got to come and prepare yourself every day and improve night in and night out.”
Brewer already is wearing Knicks team gear even though he hasn’t been to New York since his signing. He’ll go to training camp in late September.
“The equipment manager sent me a lot of stuff,” Brewer said.
The Knicks are his fourth team in six NBA seasons.
“It’s part of the game,” Brewer said. “You rarely see guys in the NBA playing in one city their entire career. Every city I’ve been to has been with a winning team that had success, been in the playoffs. I plan on doing that again this year.”
Sports, Pages 27 on 08/12/2012