The Knicks may lose free agent center Mitchell Robinson this summer, so they’re seeing if they have a capable replacement already on the roster, writes Marc Berman of The New York Post. Rookie Jericho Sims, the 58th pick in last year’s draft, started the past two games and made all eight of his shots as New York picked up a pair of road wins.
Robinson is headed toward unrestricted free agency unless the Knicks sign him to an extension (which could be worth up to $55.6MM over four years) by June 30. He missed Wednesday’s game at Charlotte because of back pain and was used as a reserve Friday at Miami.
When healthy, Robinson has been New York’s starting center over the past two seasons, but the organization may not want to make a huge financial commitment to someone with his injury history and limited game away from the basket. If Sims can become a dependable center, that would ease the pain of losing Robinson.
“He’s been terrific since the summer,’’ coach Tom Thibodeau said of Sims. “Just the way he approaches things. I think he’s growing, he’s learning, he puts a lot into it every day. And I think playing has been helpful for him, but it’s his preparation I think that’s helping him the most. He’s a lot more confident.’’
There’s more from New York:
- The Knicks no longer have a realistic shot at reaching the play-in tournament, but coach Tom Thibodeau doesn’t want to waste the rest of the season, per Steve Popper of Newsday. The team’s young players sparked a rally Friday against the Heat as New York overcame a 17-point fourth quarter deficit and improved to 7-4 in its last 11 games. “Honestly, really since the All-Star break, every game we’ve been feeling good about ourselves for real,” RJ Barrett said. “We’ve been playing great basketball. Even some of those losses, we’ve been playing amazing basketball since the All-Star break. You’re seeing it more and more, just trying to get better every day.”
- Taj Gibson has improved as a three-point shooter this season, which could give the Knicks a reason to bring him back on his non-guaranteed $5.2MM salary for 2022/23, Popper adds. If Gibson isn’t retained as a player, he would definitely consider coaching. “For sure, because I love being around the game,” he said. “It comes easy to me. First thing, I love it. You’ve got to love watching film. I love just being around the guys. I love having the communication as far as just being on the court. And even in the workouts, I love being in the gym on off days with young guys and handling my business.”
- Cross off New York as a potential trade destination for Lakers guard Russell Westbrook, Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer said on a podcast with Marc Stein of Substack (hat tip to Brad Sullivan of Lakers Daily). Fischer talked to several people in the Knicks organization who told him they’re focused on building around the current core, rather than gambling on a veteran like Westbrook.
Thank God we don’t want Westbrook!
This is what I feel
Sometimes it’s about friendship
As a result, Lakers trade away luxury tax
Knicks may be able to sell more expensive tickets
He is hot product. Rockets and Knicks are large cities
Good match
Can someone translate this?
Nobody wants Westbrook. It’s unfortunate phase of his legacy, but he is a selfish, self-pity cancer on any team. I still see him at the end of a already decided game trying to pad his stats. He will never learn. It’s time for China Westbrick!
Such vitriol…
Sometimes the truth hurts
That’s one way to get Thibs to develop and play young players, trade away or not resign vets.
I like Westbrook. I wish him well. I think he’s not being used right. And he’s not playing to win. It’s like he’s trying to prove people wrong. He’s out of sync.
Knicks need to just concentrate on the draft. Play the young guys now and get that top 10 pick. All about next yr now. And if you can’t see that. Then you are not watching.
Thibs keeps riding Randle. Then both will riding out of NY soon.
Everyone can see it’s over Al.
As far as Westbrook goes…you’re showing your usual acumen (none). Guy’s washed. But thanks for posting.
Beyond washed. His body language shows it during games.
Gibson is 57% on 3s since Dec.20… not much volume until lately… The shot could be a jobsaver.
Robinson could leave but Sims looks good that I have seen.
Hasn’t the team been responding to Randle being out? Yikes
Our biggest need is a PG. And a real offense. Gotta say Quickley has been looking more and more like a PG. He does look to score. But always pushes ball. And puts pressure on defense. He’s been playing more under control lately. Had a good gm today.
Could he finally step in and take over the PG.
Knicks have the assets to move up in draft. But will they. Mathurin is a player I like a lot.
The “gamble” on Westbrook (hypothetically) wouldn’t be on the floor. It would be a pure salary dump.
I guess I might quibble with who’s the “core” of this group…as soon as I turned on today’s NYK game I saw Randle brick another step back contested jumper. It’s like clockwork. (Yes, I realize he averages 20 points and 10 rebounds per game.)
The only core I see here is RJ. Other guys need to prove it. Randle has proven it the opposite direction. I wish him well—just in another city.
Agree. Last two years we’ve learned that RJ is the building block. If the FO can unload some of the contracts and collect picks, I’d be good with that. And a new coach in the process.
Correct, no clue how that silliness even gets in there other than to fill dead air
In all my RW to Knicks proposals, none of them are contingent on him ever lacing up for NYK, in fact a b/o for 40 {7 mill savings} is probably more preferable; tho not 100% necessary
Another positive side affect to the dump is taking away some of the toys with sharp edges from THibs (looking at you Burks/Noel )
These 2 teams can spin their wheels all they want in the offseason with hope; but I bet they each lead back to each other when all the other options are exhausted (and unavailable)
I remember years ago reading about trade scenarios that Sonic fans were proposing to take Marbury from the Knicks for crap. I thought they were just being homers until I realized they didn’t even want Marbury to play, they just wanted his salary. That’s when I realized just how far Starbury’s Star had fallen.