NBA Rumors: Knicks Linked To Veteran Big Man

It's "a huge blow" to the New York Knicks, no doubt. The word yesterday that their rim-protecting, offensive-rebounding big man will miss several weeks is a very big hit to the Knicks' hopes of moving up in the Eastern Conference standings. 

One Knicks Insider has suggested a currently disgruntled veteran center as a possible short-term replacement. 

I don’t see Knicks in any position to tank in wake of Mitchell Robinson injury; Serge Ibaka among group of vet bigs they could turn to for depth during Robinson’s absence: pic.twitter.com/FObzJVOggK

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) January 20, 2023

Per Ian Begley of SNY, "you have Isaiah Hartenstein, who you signed in the offseason, you have Jericho Sims, who's played well off the bench, those two will slide in to replace Mitchell Robinson. 

"(But) if the Knicks look elsewhere for options, Serge Ibaka is certainly an option if you're looking for a replacement during Robinson's absence."

Ibaka has been away from the Bucks for "personal reasons" for some time now, and it was just announced today that he could be on the move.  

Robinson has been the key as the last line of defense for the Knicks in protecting the rim, averaging 1.8 blocked shots per game. And at the other end of the floor, he's been averaging 4.6 offensive rebounds (of his 8.9 total), providing the Knicks with a lot of extra scoring opportunities off the offensive glass. 

He will be out at least three weeks after having surgery to repair a fractured thumb.  

Photo: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports