It’s a luxury having Tyler Kolek as a third stringer, especially with Brunson recovering from off-season surgery, Alvarado’s lengthy injury history & the team playing deep into June.
While it’s a disservice to him still being on the outskirts of the rotation, he currently brings more value to the Knicks than in a trade at the moment. The key word being at the moment.
Odd that McCullar wasn’t at Summer League & we haven’t heard a peep about him, especially considering all 3 two-way spots are open & he had his moments looking like a mini Josh Hart.
I’d love him back but it seems like Trey Jemison, he might just quietly take his talents elsewhere.
Barring a trade or Nick Richards signing, the free agent outlook for a third big man is ugly. We’re talking Tony Bradley, Mason Plumlee, Bismack Biyombo, Drew Eubanks, Kelly Olynyk type of ugly.
There are, however, four intriguing forgotten about big men that could be intriguing training camp fliers.
While unlikely, the Knicks should call the Bucks about Kel’El Ware’s availability. The East is stacked & it’s shaky just having Andre Drummond as center insurance.
It would cost the Knicks a good chunk of their remaining draft capital - 2032 swap, 2033 1st, 2nds - but the East is an arms race right now and this should at least be explored.
I’m not saying Alex Len has anything left or excites anyone. But he was in camp with the Knicks last year, is familiar with Mike Brown & I could see him being one of the two or three bigs they bring to camp to battle it out for the last spot.
In Len’s defense, the free agent options aside from Nick Richards & Sochan (who’s a bit undersized for center depth) are Mason Plumlee, Bismack Biyombo, Drew Eubanks, Dwight Powell, Kelly Olynyk, Chris Boucher, Moses Brown & Tony Bradley.
How is the indoor pool ? Any jacuzzis on site ? And how’s the outdoor pool during this time of the year / do they charge for access ?
Hard to really find concrete info online. Appreciate any input
Dadiet has noticeably gotten better in the G-League this year compared to his rookie year. He looked good in the first game of Summer League & literally is still too young to buy beer legally.
Still it seems unlikely he cracks the rotation or even breaks camp with the team. Seems like it’s matter of when he’s traded but I don’t think he’s a total lost cause & could have a fruitful NBA career…just not here.
Joe Dumars has made it clear that Yves Missi is off limits. But how about Karlo Matkovic, who will be entering his third season and is a very intriguing young big man.
Obviously, Leon Rose couldn’t have predicted the team friendly extensions Jose Alvarado, Mohamed Diawara & Landry Shamet signed. But with one roster spot remaining they would’ve been able to barely squeeze the 25th pick on the roster.
Let’s hope they don’t end up regretting passing on UConn big man Tarris Reed Jr. as their longterm Mitchell Robinson replacement.
A big thank you to The Big Yabu. Without his financial sacrifice Jose Alvarado, Game 4’s comeback & financial wiggle room this summer wouldn’t have been possible.
It might be a costly endeavor considering, but the rotund Frenchman should never have to buy a meal in New York ever again. Ring that man !
The Knicks have two roster spots to fill, barring no trade. One seems ticketed for a big & the other seems reserved for a possible Jordan Clarkson reunion.
While it’s highly unlikely, the Knicks should at least kick the tires on DeMar DeRozan once he’s bought out, pending he’s willing to play a lesser role on a minimum contract.
It’s down to basically Kevon Looney, Nick Richards or a trade - which would likely have to include Deuce + picks & a team willing to help the Knicks out - which is seemingly less likely by the day.
This is why Jonas Valanciunas makes more and more sense, pending he is in fact waived in the coming days, as a third stopgap big until the trade deadline/buyout market.
Mike Brown was LeBron’s first coach. Leon Rose was his agent from 2005-2012 & recently mended fences with Rich Paul. World Wide Wes has known James since his high school days.
If it’s about relationships and trying to win a ring, the Knicks are the team. And for anyone who says they don’t want LeBron on a veterans MINIMUM is a fool.
It’s all love with Benedict Mitch. It’ll be weird seeing him in Celtic Green, but this was the prudent decision for this group going forward.
Clarkson's one-year rendezvous in New York will be remembered fondly no matter if he’s back or not. But I think the Knicks would be best served filling out the roster with an insurance big or two & a bigger wing that can shoot.
Many people still don’t seem to grasp how going over the second apron works for now & in the future. It’s more than simply about Dolan spending money.
Landry Shamet has proved he’s built for New York over the last two years. The Knicks can bring him back if they so choose & let’s hope that‘s the case. But if he gets paid elsewhere, there are cheaper alternatives on the open market.
I know we all rather not live in a world where Mitchell Robinson is not a Knick anymore. But it’s worth discussing some backup plans should he get paid & Dolan doesn’t want to pony up.
Shout out to Casey Smith and the Knicks medical staff. He’ll make sure Big Mitch is out there and good to go.
Hart can still play a big role but it’s evident that more Shamet, Deuce and shooting is needed.