SNY Ian Begley will answer to Knicks Readers’ questions. Here are the latest…
Ian, any update on the rescue center situation? – @BeanniiBrunson
The only new information I have here is that, as of late last month, the Knicks were at least exploring the market for a veteran center.
Earlier in the offseason, the Knicks had expressed some interest in signing him. Bruno Fernando. Fernando signed a non-guaranteed contract with the Birds of prey early August.
As reported last month, the Knicks also made an offer to Omer Yurtseven earlier in free agencyYurtseven did not really consider the offer and last week accepted terms from European club Panathinaikos.
With Isaiah Hartenstein In Oklahoma CityThe center position remains the Knicks’ most sought-after position. They’re about $7 million below the second deck – because of salary cap rules, the Knicks’ team salary can’t exceed the second deck. They still have a mid-level exception for taxpayers to use in free agency. But I don’t see any free agents available who could make $5 million a year.
@Coach_Schmitt1 asked if it’s possible to upgrade the backup position via trade. The trade rules for teams above the first apron are prohibitive, but I think the Knicks will continue to explore all options until they find a replacement or it becomes clear they don’t need one because the current centers are thriving.
Maybe Mitchell Robinson, Jericho Sims, Precious Achiuwaand recruit Ariel Hukporti The Knicks will need that position as the season progresses. But there are reasons to be skeptical. Robinson is coming off offseason foot surgery and has been hampered by injury issues at various points in his career. Sims, 25, doesn’t have much experience as a starting center. Achiuwa can play that position but is a more natural fit at power forward. Hukporti is a rookie. Sure, the Knicks can play Julius Randle at the center of the second unit. But does that give them enough depth at the position? That remains an open question as we approach training camp.
How will the Knicks use their remaining salary space and/or last roster spot? – @jmere09nyc
They could keep the roster spot open during training camp and give it to a player who impresses during camp/preseason. They currently have 14 players on traditional NBA contracts and three players on two-way contracts. NBA teams can have a maximum of 15 players on NBA contracts and three players on two-way contracts during the regular season. (During training camp, they can have a maximum of 20 players.) So the Knicks can see who excels in training camp and give the 15th spot to a player currently on a camp contract.
It’s worth noting here that people familiar with the matter said late last month that the Knicks were unlikely to use their 15th pick to sign a backup guard. Ryan ArcidiaconoArcidiacono spent parts of the last two seasons with the Knicks. Tom Thibodeau The Knicks have always praised Arcidiacono’s professionalism and the way he has impacted the team despite limited playing time. But those familiar with the matter said it was unlikely that Arcidiacono would be back on the current Knicks roster. That could change if the Knicks make a trade. But if they were to consider signing Arcidiacono — a close friend of Jalen BrunsonIf they had reached 15th place on the list, they probably would have done so already.
Fast hitters
Should we expect to see Julius Randle play center next year…? – @Betsycashmoney
If the Knicks start the season with this team, it’s reasonable to expect Randle to play some center. Thibodeau hasn’t played Randle much center minutes while Obi Toppin was on the roster. But he may not have much choice with the current roster. At a minimum, we should see Randle under center in the preseason under the current roster configuration.
@AnytimeKnicks asked this question and wondered OG Anunoby at center. Thibodeau discussed the possibility of having Anunoby at center last season when the Knicks were shorthanded, so he’s open to the idea.
Regarding OG Anunoby’s new contract, are there any injury protections built into his new deal? – @TheKnicksRecap
There is no protection against personal injury provided in this agreement. Everything is fully guaranteed.
You said the Knicks were seriously considering trading Julius mid-summer. Where are we at? – @NYKT73
I don’t think I said that. If you read it, it wasn’t me.
What is the Knicks’ record for the 2024-25 season? – @MikeDrew78
I’m betting 49-33, third seed in the Eastern Conference.
Thank you all for your questions! I will be answering more questions over the next few weeks.
