Breaking down Knicks’ 2024-25 roster heading into coaching camp
The Submit’s Stefan Bondy takes a deep dive into the Knicks’ 2024-25 roster earlier than coaching camp begins.
Valuable Achiuwa
Age: 24
Place: F/C
Top/Weight: 6-8/243
A late signing for frontcourt depth, Achiuwa has lots to show after a tepid free company market left him with a one-year, $6 million deal. He was a succesful backup final season and will likely be within the combine for heavy frontcourt minutes once more off the bench.
OG Anunoby
Age: 27
Place: F
Top/Weight: 6-7/240
The model new proprietor of the most important payday in Knicks historical past, Anunoby boosts the Knicks’ ceiling along with his defensive versatility. His plus-minus numbers had been outrageously spectacular final season. However questions stay about his availability: can he keep wholesome?
Mikal Bridges
Age: 28
Place: G/F
Top/Weight: 6-6/209
Reunited along with his Villanova buddies after a disappointing season throughout the river, Bridges is again to the place he thrived in Phoenix because the third offensive possibility. He turns into eligible for a two-year extension on the primary day of coaching camp, however would seemingly earn far more by ready to both lengthen subsequent summer season or signal as a free agent in 2026.
Jalen Brunson
Age: 28
Place: PG
Top/Weight: 6-2/190
The franchise’s greatest level guard since Clyde Frazier will attempt to prime the heroics of final season. He’s healed from hand surgical procedure and signed till 2029 with a brand new captain title and a said purpose of the convention finals.
Pacome Dadiet
Age: 19
Place: F
Top/Weight: 6-7/200
A rocky Summer time League strengthened that Dadiet is a long-term mission seemingly destined for the G-League. However the teenaged Frenchman can be a participant of intrigue throughout camp because the franchise’s first first-round draft decide since Quentin Grimes.
Josh Hart
Age: 29
Top/Weight: 6-4/214
Quickly turning into a kind of sports activities people heroes who’re beloved past their statistical contributions, Hart, projected because the beginning small ahead, plugs no matter holes are leaking. He’s by no means been huge on apply, nonetheless, so coaching camp isn’t Hart’s time to shine.
Ariel Hukporti
Age: 22
Place: C
Top/Weight: 6-11/246
Hukporti, a second-round rookie, suits a mildew of a Thibodeau heart as an enormous physique who works nearly completely across the rim. He signed a two-way contract, however there’s potential for NBA minutes if there are accidents to the Knicks’ frontcourt. The German confirmed flashes in Summer time League after carrying a beforehand undisclosed meniscus damage across the time of the draft, a supply stated.
Tyler Kolek
Age: 23
Place: PG
Top/Weight: 6-1/195
It’s an enormous coaching camp/preseason for Kolek, who has an opportunity to crack the rotation. That doesn’t occur typically for second-round rookies on a contender. And it received’t be simple. The Knicks’ backcourt is stacked, however Kolek provides one thing the opposite backup guards don’t — high-level ground generalship.
Miles McBride
Age: 24
Place: G
Top/Weight: 6-1/195
McBride’s big leap final season along with his exterior shot leaves us questioning whether or not there’s one other degree in Yr 4. Following the Karl-Anthony Cities commerce and departure of Donte DiVincenzo, McBride needs to be the primary guard off the bench.
Kevin McCullar Jr.
Age: 23
Place: F
Top/Weight: 6-5/206
Carried an upside comparability to Hart when drafted within the second spherical this yr, however McCullar hasn’t performed since March 9 due to a knee damage. He missed all of Summer time League, and it’s unclear if he’ll be prepared for camp.
Cam Payne
Age: 30
Place: G
Top/Weight: 6-3/183
One other Knicks lefty and high-intensity persona who was a contributor to an NBA Finalist in Phoenix simply three years in the past. Theoretically fills a gap at backup level guard however must beat out Kolek/McBride to get these minutes.
Mitchell Robinson
Age: 26
Place: C
Top/Weight: 7-0/250
Not anticipated to play till at the very least December whereas recovering from foot surgical procedure, Robinson’s availability can’t be assumed this season. He’s a defensive and rebounding menace when wholesome, however foot issues and facilities are a foul combine.
Landry Shamet
Age: 27
Place: G
Top/Weight: 6-4/190
A veteran shooter who arrives in Charleston with out a assured contract however anticipated to make remaining roster. With Donte DiVincenzo gone, Shamet has a possibility to battle for Knicks minutes after enjoying final season with the Wizards.
Jericho Sims
Age: 25
Place: C
Top/Weight: 6-10/250
The one wholesome conventional backup heart on the roster, Sims could make his case for a rotation spot throughout camp and preseason. Athletically, he’s essentially the most gifted on the roster however must develop offensive strikes whereas staying out of foul bother.
Jacob Toppin
Age: 24
Place: F
Top/Weight: 6-8/200
Re-signed on a two-way contract and doubtless headed to the G-League. Toppin starred for the Westchester Knicks final season however solely made 9 appearances for the senior squad. He missed most of Summer time League after struggling a hip damage.
Karl-Anthony Cities
Place: C
Top/Weight: 7-0/248
Arrives with the very best credentials for a Knicks heart since Patrick Ewing but in addition query marks surrounding his sturdiness (missed at the very least 20 video games in 4 of the previous 5 seasons), rim safety and offensive rebounding. Coaching camp/preseason will likely be an early indication into whether or not Cities is shopping for what Thibodeau is promoting.