Center of Attention?

This offseason has been an important piece for the Knicks heading into next season. A big focus moving forward today, is looking for a backup big man. Losing out on the Hartenstein sweepstakes may hurt the Knicks as Mitchell Robinson has trouble staying healthy. This begs the question as to who will be backing up Robinson, while also being able to step up if Robinson does goes down with an injury like the previous season. Let's look at the slim options as of July 10th in the market of big men, along with options that could potentially be the starting center.

When it comes to free agency, the list is dwindling each day we move forward. There are still a couple options that the Knicks may have to come down with.

Free Agency:

• Precious Achiuwa - Though he mainly plays the power forward spot, he did find himself playing center minutes for the Knicks last season when there were many injuries. It is believed Achiuwa will be returning to New York, but is not stable enough to play backup center minutes.

• Omer Yurtseven - Certainly a flyer when it comes to Yurtseven, however could make himself useful being on this Knicks team. He played a somewhat important role in his rookie season in Miami, and could come in for some minutes to contribute offensively and use his large frame for presence in the post.

Like mentioned before, free agency is as slim as it gets currently. This is why the most likely option for New York is via trade. Here are some targets that have been mentioned recently, and others that could potentially be in play.

Trade Targets:

• Walker Kessler - This has been the big news recently, being Kessler in the market with his falling out with the Jazz. This would be a great fit with New York as he brings a fantastic presence defensively in the paint, and is continuing to work on his shooting outside to stretch the floor. The only problem is the asking price for Kessler, which will most likely be too steep for the Knicks to handle at this point in time.

• Nick Richards - With Charlotte seemingly moving forward with Mark Williams, Richards is on the market. This would be a great energy type of fit similarly to Achiuwa last season. He showed he can be effective when getting minutes last season with Charlotte. Though he is limited offensively to the post, he is a great finisher and can run pick & rolls when called upon. Also being a presence defensively inside, he can be a spark off the bench for Robinson.

• Thomas Bryant - Somewhat of a flyer here as Bryant has struggled with injuries throughout his career, Once showed a ton of promise offensively with Washington and looked to be a solid player in the league. Could he make a resurgence in New York?

• Chris Boucher - Getting used less each year in Toronto could mean Boucher is on the move. Being on an expiring contract the Knicks would have to extend or use as a rental. He had a phenomenal season in 20-21 with Toronto, showing how expansive his game can be. A great rim protector with length, and scorer when he needs be, as he proved he can stretch the floor in that standout season. Given the right situation, he could shine again in New York.

• Duop Reath - Coming into the league just this past season, he still has a lot to prove. Being a spark on the struggling Trailblazers, Reath could certainly be used in a better situation given his age. An offensive threat that can stretch the floor with great size to matchup with other players at the position. Reath could be a key asset and spark for the Knicks given his past season.

• Santi Aldama - With the recent draft pick of Zach Edey and getting more healthy, Aldama could find himself slowing out of the rotation for Memphis. Though he is very young, New York could swoon him away from Memphis given their situation. Great size with the ability to stretch the floor, along with improving defensively and rebounding. Could be an underrated move for the team.

• Christian Wood - Another guy that has struggled with injuries and finding his place recently. He has proven many years how much of an offensive threat he can be for a team. Slightly undersized to play center, but is a good rebounder and above average defender. He can certainly bring an offensive aspect that is vastly needed at the big in New York as he can stretch the floor, and get his own bucket when needed.

• Jalen Duren/Alperen Sengun - These two are sort of the outliers in the case that New York goes for a bigger trade to where they would go after a starting center. Both nearing the end of their rookie contracts, and both being young, this would be huge for New York. Sengun coming off a fantastic season offensively, being toted as the next Jokic. Duren still growing in this league, but becoming a monster inside offensively and defensively. Either one would be a blockbuster trade and increase the big man talent immensely, but would certainly come with a hefty ask in return moving forward.

The Knicks will be continuing their search to fill the last piece of this promising squad.

Written by Anthony Ellis. 2024