Knicks Media Roundup: Backup center options and an unlikely return

09/07/2024 07:00 AM

We got another update on the ongoing affairs of New York's front office.

As the New York Knicks head into the 2024-25 season, their search for a backup center remains ongoing but the brass doesn't seem enticed about the idea of bringing back a former 'Nova and Knicks great.

Here's what we've heard of late, mostly by way of SNY's Ian Begley responding to some fan questions in his most recent mailbag.

Knicks "exploring the market" for veteran center

Begley lost no time in answering the most pressing question in all Knickerbocker fanatics: what's popping regarding the big man rotation and the potential addition of some depth at the five?

Well, not much.

Begley revealed that the Knicks "were at the very least exploring the market" for a veteran center, but that was last month and it's not that we've heard anything new or serious regarding any development on that front.

Ian brought back the usual names we already knew about linked to New York at different points throughout the offseason—Bruno Fernando and Omer Yurtseven—but no new individuals.

"Earlier in the offseason, the Knicks had some interest in signing Bruno Fernando. Fernando signed a nonguaranteed deal with the Raptors in early August.

"As noted last month, the Knicks also made an offer to Omer Yurtseven earlier in free agency. Yurtseven didn't give the offer strong consideration and last week agreed to terms with European club Panathinaikos." — SNY's Ian Begley

As Begley points out in his story, the Knicks are around $7 million below the second luxury tax apron, and although the franchise could still add someone using the midlevel exception in free agency, Ian does "not see any available free agents who would command $5 million per year."

Alas, get ready for a rotation full of Mitchell Robinson, Jericho Sims, and Precious Achiuwa minutes at the five with a sprinkle of small-ball Julius "Center" Randle and, perhaps, a dash of fresh Ariel Hukporti essence in case of emergency.

If you want to get depressed, here's the list of available free-agent centers. Here are the top five by previous AAV: JaVale McGee, Boban Marjanovic, Udoka Azubuike, Damian Jones, and Moses Brown. Sheesh...

Ryan Arcidiacono, Unlikely to Return

Not adding another center might hurt. Not adding Ryan Arcidiacono will hurt. Our souls, at least.

An intrigued reader submitted a question about how the Knicks will use their remaining cap space and roster spot, having still some room and one slot open to add a 15th man to their NBA roster.

Begley doesn't think the Knicks are in any sort of rush to fill that maximum capacity, and if they do so, Ian believes an old friend of the organization and Thib's favorite will be the chosen one.

"Worth noting here: people familiar with the matter said late last month that it was unlikely that the Knicks would use their 15th spot to sign backup guard Ryan Arcidiacono.

"Arcidiacono had spent parts of the past two seasons with the Knicks. Tom Thibodeau continuously praised Arcidiacono's professionalism and the way he impacted the team despite limited minutes.

"But people familiar with the matter felt that it was unlikely Arcidiacono would be back under the current Knicks roster. Things can change if the Knicks make a trade. But if they planned to sign Arcidiacono — a close friend of Jalen Brunson's — to the 15th roster spot, they probably would have done so already." — SNY's Ian Begley

Arcidiacono, 30, might be one of the less impactful on-court players but a definite top-3 man in the hearts of the Knicks faithful.

All of that is funny, mind you, considering Arch first joined the Knicks as recently as 2021 when he signed his first 10-day contract with New York on January 6. He then signed with the Celtics the next September, re-joined the Knicks almost exactly a year (Jan. 3, 2022) after signing with the franchise for the first time, stayed put for more than 12 months, and ultimately was sent to Portland in a four-team trade highlighted by none other than fellow former Villanova Wildcat Josh Hart.

Of course, Arcidiacono found a way back to Manhattan and returned to the Knicks on Sep. 2023 following his cut from the Blazers org. That final stint didn't last a lot, though, with the Knicks sending Arch to Detroit in a deal that brought Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks to New York and ultimately led to New York's landing of bonafide star Mikal Bridges this summer.

Never say never to the possible return of Arch-Man!