Knicks Mailbag: Will There be an Extra Center Available Soon?

Ian Begley of SNY will answer Knicks-related reader queries throughout the season, starting today: Ian, do we have any updates regarding backup center options? As of late October, it has come to my knowledge that the Knicks were at least investigating veteran center options on the market; earlier in the offseason there had been talk of signing Bruno Fernando as well. As noted last month, Fernando signed a nonguaranteed deal with the Raptors early August. Additionally, as noted here earlier this summer, Omer Yurtseven made an offer to join them earlier in free agency. Yurtseven did not give this offer much thought before ultimately accepting an offer from European club Panathinaikos last week. Although Oklahoma City now have center Isaiah Hartenstein on board, center remains their biggest need on New York. Due to salary cap rules, their team salary cannot go over this cap amount. While they still possess a tax payer midlevel exception for free agency purposes, I do not see any available free agents who could command $5 million annually. @Coach_Schmitt1 inquired into upgrading his backup spot via trade. Trade regulations for teams above the first apron may restrict them, but I think the Knicks will continue exploring every option until either they find a backup center they need, or become convinced their current center(s) are flourishing sufficiently to support. Perhaps Mitchell Robinson, Jericho Sims, Precious Achiuwa or rookie Ariel Hukporti may help the Knicks meet this need over the course of this season. However, there are legitimate concerns. Robinson is recovering from offseason foot surgery and has experienced injury issues throughout his career; Sims, at 25 years old and as an unproven starting center himself. Achiuwa may play center, but his natural position lies elsewhere; Hukporti is still learning his position; so although Julius Randle could fill that role during second unit games, does that provide enough depth at center for New York City? As training camp approaches, this remains an open question: The Knicks could leave this spot open during training camp/preseason to give an edge player who excels there a shot at making the roster. Or they could keep keeping this spot vacant as an incentive to add players that shine during camp/preseason – it all depends. Current NBA roster: 14 traditional contracts and three two-way agreements Therefore, they’ll assess who excels during training camp before awarding that spot to someone currently under camp deal. Sources familiar with this matter noted late last month that it wasn’t likely the Knicks would use their 15th spot to sign Arcidiacono as backup guard. Tom Thibodeau had repeatedly praised Arcidiacono for his professionalism and impactful presence despite limited playing minutes with the Knicks over two seasons. According to those familiar with the situation, Arcidiacono would likely return under his current roster on New York Knicks; this can change however should they make any trades or make one themselves. But had they intended on signing Arcidiacono — who is close with Jalen Brunson — to fill that 15th roster spot, they likely would have done it already. On December 1, 2023 in Toronto Ontario Canada; New York Knicks’ Julius Randle (30), left, controls the ball while Toronto Raptors forward O.G. Petty (18) controls it for Toronto Raptors forward O.G. Petty (18). At Scotiabank Arena during the first quarter, Anunoby (3) attempts to defend. Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY SportsQUICK HITTERSShould we expect any Julius Randle center minutes next season? Assuming the Knicks open their season with this roster, it would seem reasonable for Randle to see some time at center. Thibodeau did not play him many minutes at center while Obi Toppin was on board, yet may have little choice with regards to playing him more often under current conditions. At minimum, under their current roster configuration we should see Randle playing center during preseason playback. @AnytimeKnicks raised this point and suggested using Anunoby at center; Thibodeau mentioned it last season when New York were shorthanded as possible solution for shorthanded situations. Regarding OG Anunoby’s contract extension, is there any form of injury protection built into his new deal? According to @TheKnicksRecap there are no injury provisions included; all costs associated with his new deal are guaranteed and fully guaranteed as part of this transaction. As you said earlier this summer the Knicks were seriously contemplating trading Julius. What’s the status on that? – @NYKT73I don’t recall saying anything along those lines, if that information came from anywhere it wasn’t from me.What will the Knicks record be for 2024-25 season? – @MikeDrew78My guess would be 49-33 for third seed in Eastern Conference playbacks. Thanks for all your questions everyone! I will answer more in coming days/weeks.