With Isaiah Hartenstein gone, the New York Knicks urgently need a reliable center to anchor their defense.
Tom Thibodeau’s defense relies heavily on rebounding and protecting the rim, and with Hartenstein gone, the team is exploring options for a replacement.
One of the top names being mentioned is Deandre Ayton from the Portland Trail Blazers, and he could be just what the Knicks need to fill that gap.
Let’s discover why Ayton could be a good fit for New York.
- The Knicks are considering Deandre Ayton as a possible replacement for Isaiah Hartenstein, mainly for his rebounding and rim protection.
- Tom Thibodeau plans to fill the center position by using multiple players, including Julius Randle, in small-ball lineups.
- While Ayton is a strong option, the Knicks must carefully consider the cost of acquiring him in a trade.
Deandre Ayton’s Stats Make Him a Strong Candidate
Ayton’s potential lies in his strong rebounding and defensive skills, which align well with the Knicks’ needs.
According to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, the Knicks might target Ayton, the former No. 1 pick.
While his career hasn’t quite met the expectations of being picked ahead of stars like Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Ayton’s physical skills make him a strong candidate.
Plus, Portland might consider trading him if their season doesn’t go well.
Last season, Ayton averaged 3.2 offensive rebounds per game, close to Hartenstein’s 3.3, and he finished eighth in the league in total rebounding with 10.9 per game.
Impressively, no Knicks center has averaged double-digit rebounds under Thibodeau, making Ayton’s numbers a potential game-changer.
On defense, Ayton’s ability as a rim protector is evident in his 47.0% defensive field goal percentage, almost identical to Hartenstein’s 47.1%.
Looking at the numbers, it’s clear that Ayton could seamlessly fit into the Knicks’ defensive schemes, helping to maintain the team’s identity of dominating the boards and controlling the paint.
One thing to keep in mind, though, is Ayton’s contract. He’s in the second year of a four-year, $133 million deal, so trading for him wouldn’t be cheap.
Thibodeau’s Backup Plan: Use Multiple Players to Fill the Role
If the Knicks don’t land a player like Ayton, Coach Thibodeau has said he’ll rely on a mix of players to handle the center position.
In an interview with NBA.com, he mentioned the possibility of using Julius Randle as a temporary center for short stretches.
“We have versatility,” Thibodeau said.
“Julius [Randle] could play at the 5 for 10 or 15 minutes. I don’t want him there for long stretches, but he can do it well and create offensive advantages.”
Though the team’s defense is centered on solid rim protection, Thibodeau has had to adjust to injuries over the years.
Mitchell Robinson has been the Knicks’ only consistent center, but his injury history makes it difficult to rely on him alone.
In previous seasons, the Knicks have rotated various centers, including Jericho Sims and Precious Achiuwa, with mixed results.
Thibodeau Now More Open to Small-Ball Lineups
Thibodeau hasn’t always been a fan of small-ball lineups, especially when it came to pairing Randle with his former backup, Obi Toppin.
However, things have changed, and because of some new roster additions, he’s now more willing to experiment with smaller lineups.
In a recent interview, Thibodeau pointed to the defensive versatility of players like OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges as the reason for his new approach.
“OG’s ability to guard big is huge for us. Julius and [Josh] Hart can guard big as well,” Thibodeau explained.
Because of that, the Knicks can cope without a traditional center in certain situations, though it’s clear that they would still prefer a strong rebounder like Ayton.
What It Would Take to Get Ayton: The Cost for the Knicks
With a hefty contract and his role as Portland’s starting center, the Knicks must assess whether Ayton’s performance and fit justify the financial and trade assets required to bring him in.
Portland, which has a surplus of centers, including Robert Williams III and Duop Reath, may be willing to part with Ayton if the right offer comes along.
Their early draft pick of center Donovan Clingan adds to the possibility of an “interior fire sale” by the trade deadline.
That move could present an opportunity for the Knicks if they still seek help in the paint later in the season.
Knicks Must Weigh Their Options
As we can see, the Knicks are in a tough spot at center, and Deandre Ayton could be just the player they need to fill that gap.
His rebounding and defense would fit perfectly with Thibodeau’s system, and his presence could help keep the team competitive in a stacked Eastern Conference.
But Ayton doesn’t come cheap, and the Knicks need to weigh whether giving up assets for him makes sense.
If the Knicks decide to pursue Ayton, it could solve one of their biggest issues as they look to make a deep playoff run.
On the other hand, sticking with their current roster and using multiple players at center might be the safer and more affordable route.
Whatever the choice, the Knicks have some important decisions ahead as they gear up for the new season.
