By all accounts, the New York Knicks have had a successful summer. The Knicks kept the players they wanted to, with the exception of Isaiah Hartenstein, although the 26-year-old’s departure was expected. They acquired Mikal Bridges in a surprising move. However, the loss of Hartenstein is a concern, and the Knicks have not done anything to fill the spot.
To make things even more pressing, starter Mitchell Robinson is still recovering from ankle surgery on May 13. Robinson, who has been injury-prone throughout his career, may not be ready for training camp. SNYtv.com’s Ian Begley said that even if Robinson is cleared for the start of training camp, he’ll still need time to get up to speed with his conditioning.
Julius Randle may also not be available at the start of training camp but is expected to be a “go” when the Knicks open the season. Randle is expected to play the five more often than he has with the franchise, but there is no indication how much Tom Thibodeau will put him out there.
Two Options Emerge As Knicks Could Add a Veteran Center Before Training Camp
With Randle starting at power forward, Precious Achiuwa is technically Robinson’s primary backup. Achiuwa, a little undersized at center, played well on both ends of the floor for the Knicks last season and brings the energy that Thibodeau loves.
According to Begley, the bigger question is Jericho Sims. If there were an injury, Sims would be thrust into action.
Sims is a serviceable end of the bench big as he is athletic, plays hard, and is a solid rebounder and defender. Here was Begley’s thoughts on Sims:
“As far as Sims goes, I don’t have much insight into how the front office and Tom Thibodeau view him. “As noted above, the Knicks have been gauging their options at center. So that could give you a little insight into where they are on Sims. Unless I’m reading too much into it, the Knicks’ actions suggest that they’re not fully confident with Sims as a second or third center at this point. Maybe Sims changes their mind with a strong training camp/preseason.”
I know the Knicks talked to Atlanta this offseason about a deal involving Capela. The Rockets want to win so if they are in a good place heading into the trade deadline, I’d be surprised if they moved Adams.
I’d keep an eye on Nik Richards in Charlotte as a possible trade candidate. Same goes for Walker Kessler in Utah. As ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted, Robert Williams is a name to monitor. Maybe Jonas Valunciunas?
I’m a little surprised that the Knicks haven’t signed a veteran backup center at this point. They have opened a championship window here with the Bridges trade. It would surprise me if they waited until the trade deadline to address the center position.
As noted last week, there was some internal interest in signing Bruno Fernando and Omer Yurtseven earlier in the offseason. But both players have signed elsewhere. You have to think the Knicks are at least considering veteran bigs like JaVale McGee and Bismack Biyombo. Maybe they sign a veteran before the start of training camp.
New York Knicks Training Camp
McGee is the perfect third-string center. He is a 36-year-old veteran who is willing to fill any role. McGee has played sparingly in the last two seasons, though he has been great on the glass and efficient around the rim.
Biyombo, 31, was terrific with Memphis at the start of the season. Biyombo was strong on the defensive end and glass and efficient around the rim offensively. He averaged 5.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while shooting 56.3% from the field in 30 appearances for the Grizzlies, including 27 starts.
With the signing of Landry Shamet to the veteran minimum yesterday, New York has 15 players on fully guaranteed contracts and is around $3 million below the second apron, where the Knicks are hard capped. The Knicks also have all three two-way spots filled, including 7-foot 2024 second-round selection Ariel Hukporti and two open training camp spots. Power forward Chuma Okeke is currently the only player on a training camp deal.
