Centers of attentionThere are about six weeks until the NBA’s Feb. 8 trade deadline, plenty of time for teams to make decisions about the direction of their respective seasons.
That means waiting for the Knicks, who now have a big need at center with the news that Mitchell Robinson will likely be out for the rest of the season with a stress fracture in his left ankle. The Post looks at some possible options for them:Andre Drummond: The Knicks cut him in 2021. He IS a great rebounder and an improved free throw shooter. The Bulls aren’t at the fire sale point yet, but at 12-17 overall, they could certainly get there. Plus, it’s Drummond, 6-foot-2, 30 years old.Nerlens Noel: The veteran free agent is available for virtually nothing, but his time didn’t end well with the Knicks, who were disappointed to see him leave for the 2021-22 season, his final stint with the team , after making a pretty big signing, the contract was rarely available. Noel has only played in a total of 42 games over the past three seasons, although he was a productive Knick in 2020-21, averaging 5.1 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.2 blocks for a team in the playoffs. Clint Capela: As with Drummond, it will depend on the Hawks’ decision to move. But Capela, who ran to the rim and blocked shots, would start for the Knicks. Capela has one year left on his contract at $22.2 million, but the Hawks are languishing and just signed young big man Onyeka Okongwu to a four-year, $62 million deal. This would be a splash move. Nick Richards: The 26-year-old Richards is having the best season of his four-year pro career, recording career highs in points (8.4), rebounds (6.6), blocks (1.2) and minutes ( 21.1). He’s on an affordable contract, with one year left guaranteed at $5 million, but the Hornets’ future at center is second-year player Mark Williams. Plus, we all know how much the Knicks love those guys from Kentucky. Bismack Biyombo: Strong blocker and rebounder, Biyombo plays for the Grizzlies on a one-year contract. Memphis is in the midst of a terrible year, with just seven wins in 26 games entering Thursday, though Ja Morant’s return could change that. However, the 31-year-old Biyombo could be moved at the deadline if the Grizzlies’ situation doesn’t change dramatically. Precious Achiuwa: The Knicks-Raptors lawsuit could complicate things, and Achiuwa isn’t a traditional center since he doesn’t block shots and is an undersized 6-8. But the Bronx native has the ability to play the floor and is an explosive finisher at the basket. He is also a restricted free agent and the Raptors are not contenders.
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