The injury woes of Knicks big man Mitchell Robinson and their overall lack of depth in the frontcourt “is worrisome,” one NBA Insider said Thursday.
Robinson, who played 31 games last season, is out until at least January after multiple foot and ankle procedures, and the Knicks will rely on Jericho Sims and Precious Achiuwa as backups to New Jersey native Karl-Anthony Towns. The team also just signed 7-foot-2 New York native Moses Brown to an Exhibit-10 deal.
“The issue with their backup bigs and the injuries to their front line is worrisome,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said Thursday on “NBA Today.”
“And January is really a hope [for Robinson’s return], we really can’t count on it.”
Windhorst said the Knicks may need another transaction cycle — the NBA trade deadline is Feb. 6, 2025 — before they’re fully ready to compete with the NBA’s best teams.
“It’s going to be very difficult for them to make trade moves because they’re $300,000 from the second apron,” he said.
He added: “They’re really an excellent team, but they’re a thin team. And so while I have huge belief in what they can accomplish this season, I don’t think we should look at this as just this season.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they need another transaction cycle to build out the back end of this roster. They’ve done all the hard work with the young players, getting them under contract.”
Windhorst continued: “I think this is a multi-year play for the Knicks.”
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The Knicks second unit looked strong in their first preseason win over Charlotte, with Miles McBride going for 22 points, Landry Shamet 16, Achiuwa 15 and Cameron Payne 11.
In Wednesday’s home win over Washington, their starters stepped up more with Towns going for 25 points and 12 rebounds, Jalen Brunson scoring 23 points and Mikal Bridges 16.
In Bridges and OG Anunoby, they have arguably the best defensive wing combo in the NBA, but they may need more size down low going forward.
“I think they need a little more depth at the center position,” new NBA analyst and former NBA guard Victor Oladipo said.
“Not knowing when Mitchell Robinson is going to be back, I think is a big problem for them, and I think they should be trying to figure out a way to gain some depth in that position.”
He added: “Karl-Anthony Towns has had some problems in the past with foul trouble so we gotta make sure we cover the bases for that.”
Kendrick Perkins said he believes the Knicks can develop Sims and Achiuwa into solid backups.
“I think this comes down to Tom Thibodeau trusting and believing that the players he’s got, can get it done,” Perkins said.
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Adam Zagoria is a freelance reporter who covers Seton Hall and NJ college basketball for NJ Advance Media. You may follow him on Twitter @AdamZagoria and check out his Website at ZAGSBLOG.com.
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