Key Takeaways:
* The futures of Mitchell Robinson and the New York Knicks are uncertain.
* A potential deal between the Knicks and the Jazz could switch up their rosters soon.
* Jazz may be ready to explore trade talks involving Walker Kessler, opening up their center spot.
* Jordan Clarkson, 2021’s Sixth Man of the Year could be a gain for the Knicks.
* The Knicks’ priority for upgrades should be a strong backup point guard.
Uncertain Future For Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson
With the upcoming free agency, the New York Knicks could make decisive moves that might disrupt the current setups. The possibility of Isaiah Hartenstein’s return to a new contract puts Mitchell Robinson’s continued stay into question. The determined and skilled player was unfortunately knocked down by injury, keeping him away from the game for about 50 matches due to a troubling left ankle issue. Despite registering average scores of 5.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game, it’s clear that his forced absence affected his overall performance.
Knicks-Jazz Trade Considerations
Indications hint at a budding partnership between the Jazz and the Knicks. The possible deal could be a trade-off involving Robinson alongside twin first-round picks in the 2024 NBA Draft for Jordan Clarkson, a previous Sixth Man of the Year and No. 29 pick in the same draft. Sketching his fourth season with Utah, Clarkson had been sporting averages of 17.1 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game last season.
According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Jazz are spotted potentially opening up their center position. As it stands, Walker Kessler and Omer Yurtseven are the only fixed players at the Jazz’s center spot. The 22-year-old Kessler, a former first-round pick, has averaged 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game last season. Bringing in Robinson could potentially stabilize the position while allowing trade offers for Kessler.
Playmaking and Handling Priorities for Knicks
Analysts believe the New York Knicks came close to a legit NBA finals bid had Julius Randle been fit. An unfortunate shoulder dislocation kept Randle out of the 2024 playoffs, but the squad is still hopeful for better returns in the future. Reports from Ian Begley of SNY hint at possible upcoming changes, with nearly every player, except Jalen Brunson, could be available for the right trade.
To bolster the team, the Knicks are on the hunt for a backup point guard. While Miles McBride filled in for Jalen Brunson this season, he did not show the same passing skillset as most substitutes. The dynamics are highly impacted when Brunson is off the floor, with New York being outscored by 33.7 points per 100 possessions in the playoffs. A scenario hinting at the necessity of a strong initiator when Brunson takes a breather.
Clarkson, a strong handler and playmaker himself, can be the much-needed support off the bench for the New York Knicks. If he is roped in, the Knicks could use the 29th pick in the draft to search for a backup center for Hartenstein.
In conclusion, while the futures seem uncertain now, the potential moves and trades could dramatically reshape the fortunes of the Knicks and the Jazz in the coming season. It’s a keenly observed situation with many eager to see where players like Robinson, Clarkson, and Kessler will find themselves when the dust settles.