Newsletter
Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Reading: Mario Chalmers Says Knicks Still Missing Key Piece To Contend
Fadeaway WorldFadeaway World
Search
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Follow US
Home > NBA News & Analysis > New York Knicks News & Analysis > Mario Chalmers Says Knicks Still Missing Key Piece To Contend

Mario Chalmers Says Knicks Still Missing Key Piece To Contend

Mario Chalmers isn't sold on the Knicks as contenders, and his reasoning might sting for Karl-Anthony Towns.

Nico Martinez
Sep 12, 2025
4 Min Read
Share

Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Mario Chalmers isn’t buying the hype around the New York Knicks just yet. Speaking on ‘All In,’ the former Miami Heat guard explained why he doesn’t view them as true contenders and pointed to the frontcourt as their biggest weakness.

“Fading that,” said Chalmers on whether the Knicks are contenders. “They’re missing one more piece. I think they’re missing that dominant big. KAT is decent, he’s good for what he’s good for, but they need someone who can really block it and give them a presence on the offensive end as well as the defensive end.”

On paper, the Knicks have one of the best rosters in the league. In the backcourt, there’s Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and Miles McBride. Brunson is the star of the show with averages of 26.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game last season, but Bridges brings versatility at shooting guard as an All-NBA defender who can keep opposing backcourts in check.

On the wing, there’s Josh Hart and OG Anunoby, a pair of solid two-way players who can play stifling defense but also score when needed. Hart is also an elite rebounder for his position, while Anunoby adds championship pedigree from his Raptors days.

For Chalmers, however, the Knicks’ biggest area of need is at the center spot. Ironically, many fans would argue center is one of the Knicks’ strongest positions, with Karl-Anthony Towns, Mitchell Robinson, and Precious Achiuwa all competing for minutes. On paper, Towns is the most accomplished member of the team as a five-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA player, and 2016 Rookie of the Year.

Last season, in 72 games for the Knicks, he averaged 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game on 52.6% shooting. He led the team in rebounds, was second in scoring, and was a major catalyst behind their run to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Still, Towns is more of an offensive big man, and he lacks the defensive edge we’re used to seeing at the position. Unlike other star bigs like Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid, or even Giannis Antetokounmpo, Towns is much more of a specialist than a two-way big man, and he can often even be a defensive liability at times.

For Chalmers, not having that defensive anchor in the middle is a major flaw for the Knicks and ultimately holds them back from true contention in the East. The question now for New York is whether they stick it out with Towns or try their luck with a new center.

While the market is relatively limited for bigs right now, don’t be surprised if names like Bam Adebayo, Myles Turner, or Clint Capela surface as possible solutions. With the right player down low, the team could be unstoppable and finally bring some joy to the fans who have been subjected to mediocrity for so long.

Ultimately, if the Knicks want to prove Mario Chalmers wrong, they’ll need to address the doubts about their frontcourt sooner rather than later. As talented as Karl-Anthony Towns is, his game alone may not be enough to push New York over the top. Until they secure that true defensive anchor in the middle, skeptics will continue to question whether this version of the Knicks has what it takes to win it all.

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

TAGGED:Mario ChalmersMiami Heat ArchiveNew York Knicks Archive
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
ByNico Martinez
Follow:
Nico Martinez is a veteran staff writer for Fadeaway World from Brooklyn, New York. He joined Fadeaway World in 2016 and is currently residing in Columbia, South Carolina. Nico holds a degree in Sports Management from Columbia International University where he built a strong foundation in the inner workings of sports media and management. Nico's contributions have significantly enhanced the credibility and depth of Fadeaway World's content, earning him recognition across the sports journalism community. His work has been discussed in prestigious publications like Sports Illustrated. A dedicated follower of LeBron James, Nico often leads coverage on news related to the basketball star. With nearly a decade of experience in sports journalism, Nico consistently provides comprehensive and timely basketball news, engaging a wide audience of basketball enthusiasts.Nico's most desired player to interview, past or present, is Kevin Durant. He is particularly keen on asking Durant if he has any regrets about his career, especially concerning his departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder, and why he engages so much with fans on social media. 
Previous Article “I Was Not Happy”: Mark Cuban Was Livid After Learning Of Luka Doncic Trade
Next Article Iman Shumpert and Mario Chalmers Agree: Anthony Edwards Will Win MVP In Next Three Years
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Newsletter
Facebook X-twitter Instagram

You Might Also Like

Warriors star Jimmy Butler
Golden State Warriors News & Analysis

Stephen Curry Says Jimmy Butler Gives Warriors “Legitimate Shot” At 2026 Title

October 3, 2025
JJ Redick
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

Richard Jefferson Reveals Major Flaw In JJ Redick’s Coaching

October 3, 2025
Luka Doncic
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

Austin Reaves Recalls Luka Doncic’s First Game Back In Dallas After Blockbuster Trade

October 3, 2025
Minnesota Timberwolves News & Analysis

Anthony Edwards Gets Real On Putting “Belt To A**” On Elite Players Like Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Stephen Curry

October 3, 2025

NBA - Fadeaway World

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • New York Knicks
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
  • Washington Wizards

Pages

  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA Media
  • Exclusive NBA Interviews
  • NBA 2K News & Updates

© 2025 Fadeaway World @ All Rights Reserved

  • About Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World Authors
  • Editorial Team
  • Ethics Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Contact Us
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?