Before training camp, the Knicks might add a veteran center, giving rise to two options.
The New York Knicks appear to have had a terrific summer by all measures. Except for Isaiah Hartenstein, whose departure was anticipated, the Knicks retained the players they desired. They made the unexpected decision to purchase Mikal Bridges. But Hartenstein’s departure is a worry, and the Knicks haven’t made any effort to cover his absence.
Adding to the urgency is the fact that starting pitcher Mitchell Robinson is still healing from surgery on his ankle performed on May 13. Robinson might not be prepared for training camp given his history of injuries. Ian Begley of SNYtv.com stated that Robinson will require time to catch up on his conditioning even if he is cleared to begin training camp.
Although Julius Randle is anticipated to be ready for action when the Knicks play their season opener, he might not be available at the beginning of training camp. Although it’s anticipated that Randle will play the five more frequently than he has with the team, it’s unclear how much Tom Thibodeau will use him.
Before training camp, the Knicks might add a veteran center, giving rise to two options.
Robinson’s main backup is technically Precious Achiuwa, as Randle starts at power forward. Though he is a touch undersized at center, Achiuwa was a valuable player for the Knicks last season, contributing intensity that Thibodeau finds appealing.
Begley seems to think that Jericho Sims is the more important question. In the event of an injury, Sims would have to step up.
Because he is athletic, plays hard, and is a good rebounder and defender, Sims is a useful big man on the bench. Begley had the following to say about Sims:
“As for Sims, I don’t know much about how Tom Thibodeau and the front office see him.”The Knicks have been assessing their alternatives at center, as previously acknowledged. That may therefore provide you with some idea of their current Sim location. The Knicks’ actions seem to indicate that, unless I’m reading too much into it, they aren’t quite sure how comfortable they are with Sims as a second or third center right now. Perhaps a successful training camp and preseason will convince Sims to reconsider.
I am aware that the Knicks discussed a deal including Capela with Atlanta during the offseason. I would be shocked if the Rockets traded Adams if they are in a strong position going into the trade deadline because they want to win.
Nik Richards in Charlotte is someone I would watch closely as a potential trade candidate. Walker Kessler in Utah is the same. Brian Windhorst of ESPN pointed out that Robert Williams is a name to keep an eye on. Jonas Valunciunas, perhaps?
The Knicks haven’t yet signed a seasoned backup center, which surprises me a little. With the Bridges trade, they have created a window for title contention. If they put off dealing with the center position until the trade deadline, that would surprise me.
As mentioned last week, earlier in the summer, there was some internal interest in adding Omer Yurtseven and Bruno Fernando. However, both athletes have signed with other teams. It seems likely that the Knicks are taking seasoned big men like Bismack Biyombo and JaVale McGee into consideration. Perhaps they sign a veteran prior to training camp commencement.
Camp for New York Knicks Training
McGee is the ideal center on the third string. The 36-year-old veteran is open to taking on any role. Although McGee hasn’t played much the past two seasons, he’s been effective around the rim and excellent on the glass.
The 31-year-old Biyombo had a great season with Memphis at the beginning. Biyombo was effective offensively around the rim and tough on the glass. In 30 games for the Grizzlies, including 27 starts, he averaged 5.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while shooting 56.3% from the floor.
New York now has 15 players on fully guaranteed contracts and is about $3 million below the second apron, where the Knicks are hard capped, after signing Landry Shamet to the veteran minimum yesterday. Along with filling all three two-way places, the Knicks have two open training camp spots and 7-foot 2024 second-round selection Ariel Hukporti. Chuma Okeke, a power forward, is the sole player signed to a training camp contract at the moment.
