The New York Knicks had a busy offseason, adding Mike Brown, Jordan Clarkson and Gershon Yabsel, but they managed to pick up a often overlooked center to round out the roster.
After losing in the Eastern Conference Finals last season, the New York Knicks regained roughly the same roster. Jordan Clarkson and Gerson Yabsel upgraded their bench units, but the star’s core remains largely the same.
The Knicks rely on new head coach Mike Brown to continue the momentum that Tom Thibodeau founded, taking the next step, bringing New York back to the finals for the first time since 1999.
The Knicks have improved, but the Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic and even the Atlanta Hawks cannot afford discounts, and New York needs to address key weaknesses.
The Knicks are confident in Ariel Fuk Porti’s ability to take the next step and become an important part of the frontcourt rotation.
Between Mitchell Robinson and Fukulty, between Karl Anthony Towns, New York has three authentic NBA centers that share durability, but have scores, rebounds and defense.
Hukporti already suffers from torn meniscus, with Robinson missing 43% of possible games over the last three seasons, and despite the town’s playing in 72 games last season, he has been vulnerable to injuries for a long time.
“The question continues as to how well this team can defend against Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.” Athletic Law Murray. “New York needs to add a few more players, especially the front court and wing.”
The clearly needed emergency backup defenders, allowing the Knicks to steal the flyers to cheap free agents.
Another free agent, Tristan Thompson, has played for Brown before, but Bismack Billonbo gives the Knicks exactly what they need.
Starting with 26 from the San Antonio Spurs last season, and after Victor Wenbañama was closed, Biyombo scored 5.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, with a good measure of 0.9 blocks.
Biyombo is by no means an elite defender, but he can protect his rims and hold himself up with paint.
The Knicks still have three open rosters, and adding low-risk veterans like Beyombo for the worst-case scenario is a safe and smart move.
Biyombo has never played with a Knicks star other than Mikal Bridge, and if the Knicks get injured he may be the perfect signing for an emergency midseason, but he will meet their biggest needs and fit into the New York budget. Later in the offseason, teams don’t make flashy moves with free agents, but that doesn’t mean they’re not effective.