Knicks Mailbag: Is there a backup center coming?

SNY’s Ian Begley will be responding to Knicks questions from readers. Here’s the latest…

Ian, any news on the backup center situation? – @BeanniiBrunson

The only new information I have here is that, as of late last month, the Knicks were at the very least exploring the market for a veteran center.

Earlier in the offseason, the Knicks had some interest in signing Bruno Fernando. Fernando signed a nonguaranteed deal with the Raptors in early August.

As noted last month, the Knicks also made an offer to Omer Yurtseven earlier in free agency. Yurtseven didn’t give the offer strong consideration and last week agreed to terms with European club Panathinaikos.

With Isaiah Hartenstein in Oklahoma City, center is still the biggest position of need for the Knicks. They are roughly $7 million below the second apron– due to salary cap rules, the Knicks’ team salary can’t exceed the second apron. They still have a tax payer midlevel exception to use in free agency. But I don’t see any available free agents who would command $5 million per year.

@Coach_Schmitt1 asked about the possibility of upgrading the backup spot via trade. Trade rules for teams above the first apron are prohibitive, but I think the Knicks will continue to explore every option until they find a backup or it becomes clear that they don’t need one because the current centers are thriving.

Maybe Mitchell Robinson, Jericho Sims, and rookie Ariel Hukporti will give the Knicks what they need over the course of the season. But there are reasons to be skeptical. Robinson is making his way back from offseason foot surgery and has been hampered by injury issues at different points in his career. Sims, 25, doesn’t have much experience as a starting center. Hukporti is a rookie. Sure, the Knicks can play Julius Randle at center in the second unit. But does that give them enough depth at the position? That remains an open question as we get closer to training camp.

How will the Knicks use their remaining cap space and/or the last roster spot? – @jmere09nyc

They could keep the spot open during training camp and give it to a player who impresses in…

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Author : SNY

Publish date : 2024-09-06 13:30:00

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