Knicks Had Interest In Trading For Nick Richards

[RealGM Wiretap]

The New York Knicks had interest in acquiring Nick Richards this offseason, sources told James L. Edwards III of The Athletic.

Mitchell Robinson was recently ruled out until at least December. 

The Knicks were also reportedly interested in Walker Kessler.

Edwards adds that the team is still confident in its frontcourt depth and versatility.  

Via James L. Edwards III/The Athletic

[KDs29thBurner]

The Knicks performed best with Brunson running pick-and-rolls with Hartenstein and using small-ball lineups with Hart at power forward or center. I can’t envision Hart playing a full season as a center. While adding Bridges is a nice move, it doesn't significantly enhance the team since they are already solid on the wing. Their main focus should be on replacing Hartenstein.

Randle isn’t suited to play center, and with Robinson out, he’ll likely be out of shape after missing the entire training camp. Achiuwa tends to play more outside-in rather than inside-out. The Knicks' best options for starting center are likely their small forwards, Anunoby and Hart.

[Luv those Knicks]

The Knicks performed best with Brunson running pick-and-rolls with Hartenstein and using small-ball lineups with Hart at power forward or center. I can’t envision Hart playing a full season as a center. While adding Bridges is a nice move, it doesn't significantly enhance the team since they are already solid on the wing. Their main focus should be on replacing Hartenstein.

Randle isn’t suited to play center, and with Robinson out, he’ll likely be out of shape after missing the entire training camp. Achiuwa tends to play more outside-in rather than inside-out. The Knicks' best options for starting center are likely their small forwards, Anunoby and Hart.

OGA covered Embiid pretty well, but Embiid can sometimes play like a guard on offence. In fact, a long mobile guy is often better at covering Embiid than a standard center, so that doesn't mean OGA will play center a lot this season. That was a short handed roster with limited options.

They have Sims, who's OK, but lacking on offence, and Precious, who might be ahead of Sims and could get minutes at Center so Randle can play PF. Knicks will likely move to some small ball when they can, Randle at center when the other team doesn't have a good scorer at center. Randle's not known for his defense. Precious is better in that regarards.

It's not ideal, being undermanned at Center, but they'll obviously try to make it worn and Leon will try to swing a trade. He's already been trying, but as the deadline approaches it might be easier. Knicks have apron issues to deal with in making any trades and they're limited in draft picks. The Wiz & PIston picks probably won't convey and might turn into 2nd round pumpkins in a couple years, whenever the time is up. Leon does his best with wheeling and dealing, so I think it's a wait and see.

Also, Mitch could be back and healthy mid year. It's health in the playoffs that matters, not the roster in October. For now, I'll just watch and see how it unfolds. Hope OGA stays reasonably healthy. See how Bridges fits. The Knicks have a good bench which is something they didn't have in the playoffs last year. A couple PGs, McBride, Josh Hart, Donte all on the bench is pretty good. It's going to be a fun season I think.

[Cassius]

The Knicks would have been fine with a Biyombo/Javale center rotation for the first few months, especially if Randle needs time to work himself back into form and Hart has to log more PF minutes. I’m not sure why they went with Cam Payne instead of another big. With Jalen, Donte, McBride and the rookie Kolek, I don’t know how much insurance at point guard they think they need.

[NoStatsGuy]

are the knicks the only team where people say, adding an all star caliber player doesnt make them better?

im keeping those receipts lol

but yea, adding a solid C should be the priority right now.