{"id":154227,"date":"2025-08-11T12:07:36","date_gmt":"2025-08-11T16:07:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=154227"},"modified":"2025-08-11T12:07:36","modified_gmt":"2025-08-11T16:07:36","slug":"daniel-theis-new-york-knicks-offer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/08\/11\/daniel-theis-new-york-knicks-offer\/","title":{"rendered":"Greek Coach Stole a Big Man the New York Knicks Wanted"},"content":{"rendered":"

Last summer, the New York Knicks traded for Karl-Anthony Towns<\/a>. Yet, in that trade, they lost some of their frontcourt depth. With Mitchell Robinson<\/a> battling injuries, they tried throughout the season to find an insurance policy and an alternative for Robinson. Now, we find out that they almost got a quality player to fill that role. However, a legendary Greek coach called Daniel Theis<\/a>, and the Knicks were left without their insurance policy.<\/p>\n

Greek Coach Stole a Big Man the New York Knicks Wanted<\/h2>\n

The big man from Germany spent eight seasons in the NBA, playing for six different teams. Now, while he might not have helped the Knicks reach the Finals or win the title last season, he would have added depth. Speaking with EuroHoops<\/a>, Theis revealed he had an offer after the deadline to join the Knicks.<\/p>\n

\u201cBefore coming to Europe, I had an offer from the Knicks. Mitchell Robinson was coming back from injury. I spoke with Thibodeau, and he told me I would be insurance for them if Robinson couldn\u2019t play. I thought, if I stay until the end of the season and don\u2019t play, what chances will I have in the summer? So I said, \u2018I\u2019m going to Europe. If I play well, I\u2019ll have better chances. Maybe I wouldn\u2019t have come to Europe if Spanoulis hadn\u2019t called me. I didn\u2019t just look at the money, but the school, the life, everything.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Theis spoke highly of Vassilis Spanoulis, and explained their connection. The former Greek professional player is now the coach for AS Monaco of the French LNB Elite and the EuroLeague. That offer was the reason the Knicks didn\u2019t get Theis, who could have been their Robinson alternative in the playoffs<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Jan
Jan 25, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Daniel Theis (10) battles for the ball against Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabate (14) during the first quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Daniel Theis Could Have Helped the Knicks<\/h3>\n

In his last season with the New Orleans Pelicans, Theis averaged 4.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game in 16 minutes of action. After a trade sent him to the Oklahoma City Thunder, he was bought out. As a free agent, he had options<\/a>, one of which was the Knicks. But, he chose to go to Europe and get some playing time so he can be ready for the summer when Germany competes at the EuroBasket.<\/p>\n

In Europe, Theis quickly became one of the best big men in the EuroLeague. In eight games, he averaged<\/a> 13.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks. He shot 57.9% from the floor, 41.7% from three-point range (albeit on only 1.5 attempts), and 78% from the free throw line. That last stat might be the most important one. Robinson was often taken out of the game by opposing teams, who sent him to the free-throw line.<\/p>\n

In Monaco, Theis played with another former NBA player, Mike James<\/a>. They developed great pick-and-roll chemistry. Now imagine him playing alongside Jalen Brunson<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Mike James and Daniel Theis in action \ud83d\udd25pic.twitter.com\/6thsBbTAuu<\/a><\/p>\n

— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) March 27, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n