The New York Knicks appear to have four spots locked down ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season, but centre may require some effort.
The Knicks were successful in 2023-24, with Mitchell Robinson, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Precious Achiuwa holding down the fort at five. Fast forward to this summer, and Hartenstein is now with the Oklahoma City Thunder, while Achiuwa is a free agent who may depart the Big Apple.
That would leave the Knicks with the injury-prone Robinson and a backup centre in Jericho Sims, whom the franchise does not appear to completely invest in. With that in mind, the Knicks have been linked to a defensive stalwart in trade rumours, but such rumours have received criticism from the media.
Knicks linked to Blazers’ defensive star Robert Williams III in trade talks.
New York has recently been linked to Portland Trail Blazers centre Robert Williams III in trade rumours. However, MassLive’s Brian Robb claimed that the Knicks would be better off not chasing him because to his extensive injury history (h/t Jordanna Clark of Daily Knicks):
“The Knicks could definitely need some more help in the frontcourt, but another injury-prone big man probably wouldn’t work well behind Mitchell Robinson. The Pelicans could definitely use another big man after losing Jonas Valanciunas. The assumption here is that teams will want to see Williams get healthy on the court for a few games this season before taking a chance on him, but I’d be surprised if he plays another full season in Portland at this point,” Robb said.
Knicks: Williams III is an excellent defender and glass-cleaner to consider.
The scenario is set for Williams III to seek greener pastures outside Portland. The Texas A&M product just played six games last season, so there’s not much to draw from his performance in such a short sample size. Nonetheless, Williams III was solidly established as Deandre Ayton’s backup in the Blazers’ lineup.
The past 2022 All-Defensive Second Team selection was a starter for the Boston Celtics in 2021-22, the third season of his five-year contract. He led their defence that year as they won the Eastern Conference Finals, averaging a near double-double of 10 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks a game on 73.6 percent shooting. Between 2020-21 and 2022-23, the Louisiana native averaged 8.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks while playing only 24.4 minutes per game. He is an elite producer who can rack up stats and blocked shots in a matter of minutes.
Williams III would be a high-energy big man capable of replicating Hartenstein’s hustle and defence in New York. He is also an excellent offensive rebounder, able to catch and bat down missed baskets for second chances. His 14.6 percent offensive rebounding percentage between 2020-21 and 2022-23 is nearly comparable to Hartenstein’s 14.4 percent figure from the previous season.
If the Knicks decide to move on from Robinson before the end of the summer, Williams III would be an excellent new starter to invest in. If Robinson remains on the roster, Williams III will be a potential backup in Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau’s rotation.
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