3 centers for Knicks to consider if they move on from Isaiah Hartenstein or Mitchell Robinson

After the Knicks’ megadeal on Tuesday night to land Mikal Bridges from the Nets, there is still more work for the club to do . The center position remains one of the New York’s burning questions this offseason.

Starter Isaiah Hartenstein is an unrestricted free agent, and as SNY’s Ian Begley has reported, it has become unlikely that the Knicks will be able to retain their center, unless Hartenstein elects to take significantly less money to stay in New York.

Additionally, Mitchell Robinson’s name has come up in trade rumors recently, per Begley, and he could be an option for the Knicks to move to trim payroll if the unlikely happens and Hartenstein returns on a larger deal.

The Bridges trade, as it currently has been reported, hard-capped the Knicks at the first apron of $178 million. But as Begley reported during the draft, the Knicks could add salary to the trade, which would then hard-cap them at the second apron ($189.5 million). While that would give them a bit more flexibility, the Knicks would likely be focused on limiting spending around the rest of the roster. Having both centers was a strength of this Knicks roster, but it makes sense to move on from one of them, especially after re-signing OG Anunoby.

Begley mentioned that Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze is one of several at the position that the Knicks have on their radar. Bitadze is a young, buy-low option who has shown flashes of becoming an NBA rotation regular.

It is also worth mentioning that the Knicks have Precious Achiuwa, who filled in admirably at both the power forward and backup center spots. Achiuwa is a restricted free agent this offseason. New York also has former second round pick Jericho Sims on the roster.

Here’s a look at three centers the Knicks should consider as backup plans in free agency if they don’t keep Hartenstein or Robinson:

1. Goga Bitadze

A former first round pick of the Indiana Pacers in 2019, Bitadze’s game has changed from when he made his debut. Bitadze was supposed to be a floor-spacing big, but after struggling from deep, he’s removed three-pointers from his shot diet since joining the Magic.

Bitadze kept it simple, living in the paint on both ends of the floor. He utilized his 6-11, 250-pound frame, swatting 2.7 shots per 36 minutes. Most importantly, Bitadze has embraced contact. Early in his career, Bitadze would often fail to make contact on screens, but he’s made improvements. Bitadze also posted a career-high 17.5 percent rebound rate.

Bitadze has also shown an ability to make passes out of the high post a la Hartenstein. He averaged 3.0 assists per 36 minutes last season. If the Knicks are unable to keep Hartenstein, the 24-year old Bitadze could be an ideal replacement option.

2. Andre Drummond

If the Knicks want to go the traditional route, Drummond might be the best fit. The 12-year veteran is one of the best rebounders in the NBA. Drummond would be able to duplicate what Robinson provides on the offensive glass. The Knicks have relied heavily on offensive rebounding as a way to generate offense.

At this stage of his career, Drummond is still a decent defender, but he can sometimes be prone to mistakes on the floor and his scoring efficiency around the basket is below average for a center. But there is likely not a free agent on the market that dominates the glass like Drummond.

3. Jalen Smith

In the Tom Thibodeau era, the Knicks have avoided the stretch five. But if the team wants to add some versatility to its bench lineups, Smith could be an option. The 24-year old holds a player option worth $5.4 million for the 2024-25 season. If he decides to opt out of his contract, he will become an unrestricted free agent.

At 6-10, Smith is able to score either in the pick and roll or by popping out to midrange or the three-point line. Though he is just a 33.5 percent career three-point shooter, Smith shot 42.4 percent on 144 three-point attempts this past season. He’s also shown somewhat of an ability to attack smaller defenders in the post when teams switch.

Defense is not Smith’s best strength, which could make for an iffy fit under Thibodeau. He held up during the regular season, but it was notable that by the playoffs, Smith lost his place in Indiana’s rotation to Isaiah Jackson.