Andre Drummond may end up giving the Knicks exactly what they need right now: a way to hold down the fort while the real answer at center develops.
For the moment, that’s about as good as New York could reasonably do. Drummond, now 33, comes with clear defensive limitations, but he’s cheap, serviceable, and capable of eating minutes. In other words, he looks more like a bridge than a destination.
That matters because the Knicks’ center picture is thin. Drummond and Karl-Anthony Towns are the only centers on the roster, which leaves New York exposed if either one misses time.
Still, the idea that the Knicks must solve everything before opening night doesn’t really fit where they are. They have enough to survive the regular season.
And that’s the key distinction. As the reigning champs, the Knicks can afford to think bigger than just patching the first week of the schedule. They have until the February 11 trade deadline to build something sturdier and more fitting for Mitchell Robinson’s succession plan.
That doesn’t mean the answer is sitting there right now. The centers New York is tied to at the moment are described as either ineffective or unspectacular. Moussa Diabate and Dylan Cardwell would be nice gets, but neither appears available for what the Knicks can offer.
The more realistic play may be patience. Between now and February 11, the market is going to move. Teams will sort out where they stand, figure out what they need, and suddenly names that weren’t on the radar could become available.
A few possibilities already stand out. Zach Edey might not fit with Cam Boozer in Memphis.
The Boston Celtics could struggle to find minutes for Luka Garza with both Robinson and Neemias Queta on the roster. The Dallas Mavericks could choose to move on from Dereck Lively II rather than pay him in restricted free agency next summer.
The Golden State Warriors may decide to unload Al Horford if they slide far enough in the Western Conference standings.
Other names could surface too. Oso Ighodaro might become available from the Phoenix Suns.
So could Micah Potter or Yang Hansen from the Portland Trail Blazers. Jay Huff might not stick with the Indiana Pacers if Ivica Zubac works out.
And that’s before the buyout market even opens up after the deadline. Brook Lopez and Deandre Ayton are two names the Knicks could have the flexibility to sign.
So if New York heads into next season with Drummond as the main backup center, that should be read as a stopgap, not a finished product. The Knicks are likely buying time, not settling the issue.
In Other News...
Knicks Title Just Made The Nets Rebuild Look Even Worse
The Knicks title run has only sharpened the contrast across town, where the Nets are still trying to crawl out of a prolonged downturn. Brooklyn has now missed the playoffs for three straight years and just came off a 20-62 season, a stretch that has left the organization trying to sell patience while its crosstown rival celebrates the sports biggest prize.
Joe Tsai didnt hide how awkward the moment felt, calling the Knicks championship embarrassing for his side while sticking to the rebuilding script. The Nets at least added a piece to build around with the sixth pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, using it on Mikel Brown Jr., who flashed some promise in summer league despite dealing with back issues, but the real test is still ahead for a team that has yet to prove the plan is working. [Read more 🡒]
Karl-Anthony Towns Gave Knicks Fans One More Reason To Celebrate
Karl-Anthony Towns had another big August moment away from the court, marrying Jordyn Woods on Aug. 15 in Malibu, Calif., in a celebration that drew a mix of family, friends and a few familiar faces from across sports and entertainment. Among the guests were Gayle King, Kylie Jenner and several NBA players, adding to what was already a high-profile night for the former Knicks center.
The reception also had a very New York basketball touch to it, with the actual Larry OBrien NBA Championship Trophy on the dance floor as part of the celebration. Towns father added to the night with a toast that centered on a rare double accomplishment, noting his son had earned both an NBA championship ring and a wedding ring in the same year. [Read more 🡒]