The Knicks still have room to sort out their center picture, and Liam Robbins is making a strong case to stay in the conversation.
New York has been looking for another big man since signing Andre Drummond, and Robbins has become a familiar name in that search. The seven-footer was one of the brighter spots on an otherwise unimpressive Summer League roster, and the Knicks’ need got a little clearer this week when two-way big man Trey Jemison signed with the Toronto Raptors. Jemison wasn’t on the Vegas roster this year anyway, which already pointed toward New York possibly pursuing a different two-way center.
Robbins helped himself with the way he finished Summer League. After going scoreless in a game against the San Antonio Spurs, he answered with a strong outing against the Detroit Pistons, playing 23 minutes and finishing with 15 points. He added a three-pointer, five rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block.
He kept it going against the Golden State Warriors, showing a different version of his game. In 19 minutes, Robbins scored 13 points, knocked down another three, grabbed nine rebounds and blocked four shots. The production gave him a Mitchell Robinson-like feel, with Robbins maximizing limited minutes by being a real force around the rim.
That late surge looked a lot like what Robbins did in his final season at Vanderbilt. As a senior, he averaged 23 minutes, 15 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game. With that kind of size and those instincts on both ends, it’s easy to see why he’s still on the radar.
He also made it pretty clear he wants the job. After the game against Detroit, Robbins said he plays with "championship effort" and fits the "Knicks Way."
"I'm someone who can come in, give good energy, play D and play The Knick Way…championship effort" -- Center prospect Liam Robbins to @CassidyHubbarth as Knicks get 1st summer W:15 points6-13 FG1 three5 boards3 offensive3 assists2 steals4 blocks pic.twitter.com/yWSGuLmX84
What may matter just as much as the numbers is how Robbins responded after a rough start. He struggled in his first two Summer League games against the Nets and Spurs, then turned things around in a hurry over the final two. That doesn’t guarantee anything at the NBA level, but it does say something about how he handled the early setbacks.
For the Knicks, Robbins now looks like a player they know enough about to take seriously, but still has enough upside to be worth a look. He fits the price range, and he offers more long-term intrigue than some of the aging veterans still out there.
At the very least, Robbins could give New York workable depth on a two-way deal and help bridge the gap to the trade deadline. From there, he’d have a chance to develop inside the organization with little risk, whether that means growing into a third-string center role or simply filling in before the Knicks add another bigger name behind Drummond.
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