3 Backup centers the Knicks could add after devastating Mitchell Robinson injury
The New York Knicks signed Taj Gibson to a one-year, non-guaranteed deal last week after it was reported Mitchell Robinson would undergo ankle surgery and be re-evaluated in eight to 10 weeks. It turns out he'll be out for the rest of the season, with The Athletic's Shams Charania breaking the news on Wednesday night.
New York applied for a $7.8 million (half of Robinson's salary) Disabled Player Exception, which isn't something the Knicks would've done if there were any hope Robinson would be able to return before the end of 2023-24.
Not only is Robinson done for the season, but Jericho Sims sprained his ankle against the Lakers. The Knicks announced on Wednesday that he'll be re-evaluated in seven to 10 days. Currently, Isaiah Hartenstein and Gibson are New York's two options at the five.
The Knicks are lucky to have Hartenstein, who has done well in Robinson's absence. Sims will hopefully return soon, so New York most likely won't try to make a big trade (i.e., Karl-Anthony Towns). Here are three low-cost options that the front office could decide to go with.
3 Centers Knicks could add to roster after Mitchell Robinson season-ending injury
3. Dmytro Skapintsev
If you're wondering who Dmytro Skapintsev is, you're not alone. His name has been a hot topic of conversation on Thursday after SNY's Ian Begley reported that Skapintsev is on New York's radar, proving the Knicks aren't looking to make a significant addition.
Westchester Knicks center Dmytro Skapintsev is among big men on NYK’s radar as they consider adding front-court depth in the wake of injuries to Mitchell Robinson and Jericho Sims. Isaiah Hartenstein and Taj Gibson are Knicks’ healthy centers at the moment.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) December 21, 2023
If you watched Summer League this past July, you should at least be a little familiar with Skapintsev. He averaged 7.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game in Las Vegas. Shortly after, the Knicks signed him to an Exhibit 10 contract. He was waived before the season began.
In Westchester this season, the seven-foot big man is averaging 5.9 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. If New York were to sign him to the main roster, he wouldn't start. Instead, Skapintsev would give the team added depth for the rest of the regular season and, hopefully, the playoffs.