The Toronto Raptors just cut ties with center Trey Jemison III on Wednesday, making the New York Knicks’ final roster spot decision even more interesting ahead of next Tuesday’s season opener at Madison Square Garden. This move shakes up the board for that crucial third-string center position the Knicks need to fill.
Jemison’s Run and What the Knicks Know
Jemison, who played the 2025-26 season with the Knicks on a two-way deal, spent most of his time tearing it up in the G League with the Westchester Knicks. He put up solid numbers there, averaging 8.6 points and 8.6 rebounds across 31 games. When he did get called up to the big show for New York, he played 13 games, logging 1.0 point and 1.4 rebounds in 6.3 minutes per contest. The Knicks know this guy inside and out, and vice versa. It’s not like he’s a total stranger suddenly popping up on the waiver wire.
The Battle for That Third Center Spot Heats Up
Even with Jemison now available, the Knicks have had their eyes on other options for that backup to Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond. James Wiseman, Drew Eubanks, and Tony Bradley are already in the mix. Wiseman, the No. 2 overall pick back in 2020, might just have the inside track after a monster preseason performance. In Tuesday’s preseason game against the Raptors, where the Knicks’ starters sat out, Wiseman dropped 18 points on an insane 7-for-8 shooting and pulled down 10 rebounds in just 24 minutes. That’s a serious stat line, even in a blowout 148-98 loss, and it screams “valuable lob threat” if he makes the roster.
With the season opener coming up fast next Tuesday, the Knicks have to make their final call. Do they stick with what they’ve seen from Wiseman and the others, or does the familiar face of Jemison tempt them? It’s crunch time for that final roster spot.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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