knicks
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Despite all the rumblings about the New York Knicks adding more depth to their frontcourt before players begin training camp on the 28th, a new report has linked them to an unexpected signing soon.
The Knicks and their fans have not stopped celebrating the franchise’s first championship in 53 years even though it happened three months ago. However, that doesn’t mean they weren’t busy this offseason as they looked to keep themselves in contention for another title run in the 2026-27 season. While they haven’t made big additions, they did re-sign valuable rotation players like Landry Shamet, Jordan Clarkson, and Jose Alvarado.
Although they lost popular backup center Mitchell Robinson to rivals the Boston Celtics in NBA free agency, they hope to fill the void with two-time All-Star Andre Drummond. However, despite the moves, they still have a couple of spots open on their roster with training camp starting in a couple of weeks.
Over the last two months, New York was linked to several rumors about chasing bigs to add to the frontcourt and fill one of those spots. Including Jonas Valanciunas and Ben Simmons. But according to NBA insider Marc Stein, the front office is targeting an unexpected veteran still available in free agency.
“John Konchar is one of the top free agents available and has drawn interest, league sources say, from Miami, New York, Orlando and Toronto.”
– Marc Stein
Why would the NY Knicks sign John Konchar?
It is a bit surprising that the Knicks have interest in the 6-foot-5 swingman. After re-signing Shamet and Clarkson, it would seem like he is blocked by those two players in the rotation. Furthermore, if he is of interest to play small forward, they are hopeful 2024 first-round pick Pacome Dadiet can take a step forward and fill that spot off the bench in 2026-27.
It makes sense that they’d want more frontcourt depth because after Karl-Anthony Towns — who does have an injury history — and a well-aged Drummond, they don’t have great options when it comes to traditional centers. But they do have two spots open and could still add a classic big man. So why sign Konchar?
The Chicago native was an undrafted signing by the Memphis Grizzlies and has been a decent bench player in the league over the last seven years. But he has a skill set that fits the Knicks well.
Like Josh Hart, he is a very good rebounder for a player his size — he is averaging 4 boards in just over 17 mins for his career. He has a good basketball IQ and has built his reputation for hustling and playing hard. That will fit in well with this group and get a lot of love from fans in New York.