3 Mitchell Robinson replacements Knicks could pursue this summer

When it comes to the 2022 offseason, literally anything and everything seems to be on the table for the likes of the New York Knicks.

After enduring yet another playoff-less campaign (their 16th since the turn of the century), the Knickerbockers find themselves heading into a summer filled with a bevy of unknowns.

What will they do with the No. 11 pick?

Will they finally bring on a franchise-caliber point guard?

What will happen with Julius Randle?

As the days pass by, we find ourselves seeing more questions arising than potential answers, and, just recently, a social media post threw yet another quagmire into the mix, as it pertained to starting center Mitchell Robinson, and how, according to this specific user, New York is planning on parting ways with him.

Now, granted, this hypothetical should be nothing new to Knick fans, for, even during the regular season, it was evident that the franchise was not completely sold on the big man as being a long-term option at the pivot anyway.

That said, with this new rumbling, it should spark a serious thought among both the team’s faithful followers as well as New York’s decision-makers: If Robinson walks, who would they look to replace him at the five?

Obviously, we love Robinson here at DK and would love to see him come back next year (albeit, on a reasonable contract), but we also understand that the NBA, first and foremost, is a business and, should he see a better opportunity elsewhere, he should strongly consider taking it.

However, if he were to jump ship, the Knicks would be left with a hole at their starting center position heading into 2022-23 and, if this were to be the case, we believe that Leon Rose and Co. should strongly consider these three options to serve as his replacement.

3 potential replacements for Knicks center Mitchell Robinson

3. Thomas Bryant

While he may not be generating a ton of buzz heading into the offseason, Thomas Bryant is a talent that could help a plethora of teams looking for big man help. Should they lose Robinson, this would include New York.

Throughout his five-year career in the association, Bryant has proven himself to be a multi-talented center, one who can crash the boards and swat shots just as easily as he can space the floor and knock down his long-range attempts.

Unfortunately, he sustained a torn ACL early on in 2021, which, ultimately, held him out until the latter months of the season. Prior to going down, the big man was putting forth a career-best campaign for himself.

In 27.1 minutes per game, Bryant was boasting averages of 14.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and just shy of a block on 65% shooting from the floor and a stellar 43% shooting from deep.

This past year, during his return to action, despite being on a minutes restriction for a large chunk of his 27 games played, the center still showcased the same type of promise he did prior to injury. He went on to post 16.9 points, 9.1 boards, and nearly 2 blocks on 52% shooting from the floor per 75 possessions.

His impressive build of 6-10, 248-pounds and whopping 7-6 wingspan coupled with his floor spacing skillset, high motor, and age (still just 24), should all be enticing enough for the Knicks to strongly consider targeting Bryant this summer, even with the knowledge that he’s still coming off of a serious injury.