Two Centers the 26-27 Knicks Should Look to Sign as Their Third Stringer
When the New York Knicks lost Mitchell Robinson in free agency to the Boston Celtics, they knew they needed to find the same type of center who has the same prowess on the offensive glass as Robinson does. That’s when New York signed Andre Drummond, a great veteran player who’s been one of the best rebounders since he joined the league. However, with Karl-Anthony Towns and Drummond, that only leaves the Knicks with two centers when they should realistically have three, just in case someone gets hurt throughout the long stretch of an 82-game season. New York tried to sign a few free-agent centers, most notably Yves Missi, who the New Orleans Pelicans refused any offers for, and Moussa Cisse, but the Dallas Mavericks matched the offer. With a couple of centers looking to be signed, here are two that could help impact the 26-27 Knicks season.
Kelly Olynyk
Since being drafted as the 13th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, Kelly Olynyk has been a true journeyman. The 35-year-old has played on seven different teams over his 14-year career. As a member of the San Antonio Spurs last season, he saw minutes throughout the playoffs except the NBA Finals. Olynyk has averaged 10 points, five rebounds, two assists, and a steal over the course of his career. He shoots about 49 percent from the field and 37 percent from beyond the arc. With Towns or Drummond in the game, the Knicks could use the 35-year-old to develop quick pick-and-rolls or pick and pop plays from beyond the arc. Getting Olynyk near wide-open opportunities from three could give the seven-footer all the confidence to play at the highest level of his career so late in his career.
Tony Bradley
Just like Olynyk, Tony Bradley has been another journeyman, being on six teams in eight years. Most noticeably, the 28-year-old was a piece of the North Carolina Tar Heels’ 2017 NCAA Championship run. However, since joining the NBA, Bradley has struggled to find a franchise to call home, playing in Utah for three years and then in both Philadelphia and Chicago for two years. Thus far, he’s averaged four points, four rebounds, an assist, and a steal in his eight-year career. Being a veteran in the league and playing behind two all-star centers could help Bradley’s game grow further and help the 28-year-old find a long-term home, whether that be in New York or not. New York fans saw the same thing before with Isaiah Hartenstein; Bradley could be a great addition if given the right moments with the Knicks.
