It was widely known and rumored that the Knicks were looking for an answer at the backup center position. There are questions about Mitchell Robinson’s health, and Jericho Sims was not taking advantage of the opportunities given to him. The NBA trade deadline came and went and the only move the Knicks did was flip Sims for Delon Wright and some cap relief.
It is easy to see Mitchell Robinson as the deadline acquisition considering he has been out all season with a foot injury. Following the game on Tuesday against the Raptors, reports indicated that Robinson was cleared for contact. He can also practice, but he is not cleared for full 5-on-5 scrimmages. If Robinson can get healthy and return after the All-Star break, it will give him time to get into game shape. This will allow head coach Tom Thibodeau to figure out the best way to implement his rotations.
The 22-year-old 7-footer was drafted in the second round by the Knicks. After an impressive performance on Tuesday against the Raptors, people are wondering if he will play a bigger role in the rotation. Hukporti played 19 minutes, the second most of his young career, and posted six points, four rebounds, and two assists. He held Raptors star Scottie Barnes to 1-9 shooting from the field and 0-2 shooting from three. He forced him to commit one turnover and no assists when he guarded him.
The Knicks will likely look to work Karl Anthony Towns at the four and five. This is especially true as they prepare for the off-season. If a combination of Robinson and Hukporti can man the center position, it can add much-needed depth.
Wright has traveled around the NBA taking the floor for Toronto, Memphis, Dallas, Detroit, Sacramento, Atlanta, Washington, and Miami before signing with the Bucks in July. His best NBA efforts came with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2018-19, which saw him average 12.2 points and over five assists and rebounds following a trade with the Raptors.
The 6-foot-5 guard will have an opportunity to compete for minutes at the wing where Thibs has used Landry Shamet. Wright has been known for his defensive abilities, but his offense has dipped this season shooting under 30 percent from the field and from beyond the arc.
If Mitchell Robinson is able to come back from his injury and stay healthy for the postseason it allows the Knicks to be flexible in their rotations. Against bigger teams, they will be able to run Robinson and KAT together. They can move Josh Hart to the bench. Additionally, they can bring Mitchell off the bench to spell KAT down the stretch of the season.
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