The New York Knicks are gearing up to defend their NBA championship, but don’t think for a second the roster’s set in stone. With 13 players on guaranteed contracts, SNY’s Ian Begley just dropped the news that two key veterans, Drew Eubanks and John Konchar, are on the Knicks’ radar for those final, crucial roster spots as training camp gets closer.
The Hunt for Center Depth
The most obvious need for the Knicks? Backup center. Seriously, after Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond, who’s left? Mitchell Robinson and Ariel Hukporti are gone, so it’s a critical spot. Eubanks, a 6-foot-10 forward-center, would be gunning for that third center position. He played last season with the Sacramento Kings, averaging 5.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks in 13.1 minutes across 42 games. The 29-year-old veteran’s season was cut short in March, though, after surgery for a UCL tear in his left thumb. Begley reported any deal for Eubanks would probably be non-guaranteed, and he’d face stiff competition. You gotta wonder if that thumb is 100 percent.
A Different Kind of Impact Player
Then there’s John Konchar, a 30-year-old guard-forward who offers a totally different vibe for one of the other open spots. He just got waived and stretched by Minnesota after a trade, so he’s looking for a new home. Konchar’s known for being a strong rebounder, a solid defender, and an offensive connector who can knock down perimeter shots. He’s got seven years in the league, man! Last season, he averaged 4.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.5 steals over 56 games with both Memphis and the Jazz. He’s the kind of versatile guy who can make an impact without needing the ball constantly.
So, yeah, the Knicks have two standard roster openings, but they might actually kick off the season with only 14 players because of that second tax apron. That means every single spot counts. With training camp on the horizon, these aren’t just minor additions, these are potential pieces to help defend a championship. It’s gonna be wild to see who earns those final jerseys!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Posting and Toasting.
Leave a Reply