The New York Knicks are poised to be one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference next season. Having made some changes this offseason, New York is primed to make a run at winning the NBA title.
With a new head coach and necessary roster upgrades, the Knicks look like an improved unit. However, some questions about the rotation still need to be addressed. To address this, the NY Post’s Stefan Bondy reported that former Lakers centers Alex Len and Trey Jemison were working out with the team. He wrote:
“The Knicks are also working out free agent frontcourt players, sources told The Post, including Alex Len and Trey Jemison III. NBA teams can bring as many as 21 players into training camp, and the Knicks have only 12 on guaranteed contracts.”
New York possesses noteworthy depth across its roster, primarily owed to the positional flexibility of the players. While the center rotation featuring Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson has proven effective, it is evident that Robinson’s injury history could become an issue during the regular season. This gives rise to a need for a more prominent big man.
Given how the Knicks have managed their cap space, the Knicks aren’t in a position to sign another veteran to a minimum, especially with the recent signing of Landry Shamet. Hence, seeking a free agent like Jemison or Len may prove to be more feasible if they wish to stay below the second tax apron.
Last season, both were a part of the Los Angeles Lakers‘ roster. Given that they were tertiary options in the big man rotation, they received very limited playing time.
Len, a 12-year veteran, played 10 games for the Lakers and averaged 2.2 points and 3.1 rebounds per game, while shooting 45.5% from the field.
Meanwhile, Jemison is on the verge of entering his third season in the league. Having appeared in 22 games for the Lakers, he showed some rebounding upside and hustle, as he averaged 2.6 points and 2.8 rebounds per game in 10.3 minutes played.
When considering that these additions would primarily serve as insurance against injuries suffered by players in the main rotation, it could be justified. Given their limited production, however, they may not move the needle.
Barring the need for a big man, New York may also consider bolstering its point guard depth, with Malcolm Brogdon emerging as a target. However, former first-round pick Dennis Smith Jr. has also been spotted working out with the Knicks.
As Bondy reported, the Knicks can go into training camp with 21 players on their roster, which will eventually need to be trimmed down to 15 to finalize the team before the regular season begins.
Shamet’s signing does create some space concerns. Additionally, with the cap space limitations, the front office may need to trigger some trades to simultaneously clear up roster and cap space to make more signings.
