Former NBA champion offers realistic solution to Knicks' big man crisis - "Tom Thibodeau should have a sigh of relief"
The New York Knicks enter the 2024-25 NBA season with a dearth of proven big men. However, according to ESPN's Kendrick Perkins, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau should take solace in being able to experiment with versatile small-ball lineups.
Coming off a second-place Eastern Conference finish (50-32) and second-round playoff exit, New York arguably improved this offseason. The franchise landed star wing Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets, forming a star trio featuring point guard Jalen Brunson and power forward Julius Randle.
However, the Knicks' center depth took a hit over the summer, as they lost spot starter Isaiah Hartenstein to the OKC Thunder in free agency. The organization was outbid after OKC awarded the big man a three-year, $87 million contract.
Hartenstein's departure put additional pressure on New York's regular starting center Mitchell Robinson to man the paint this upcoming season. However, on Monday, reports emerged that Robinson will miss the campaign's first two or three months as he recovers from offseason left ankle surgery.
The big man is reportedly targeting a December or January return, seemingly giving Thibodeau tough rotation decisions. Nevertheless, Perkins expects Robinson's injury to be a blessing in disguise for the veteran coach.
On ESPN's "NBA Today" Tuesday, the one-time champion raved about the possibility of Randle filling in as New York's starting center. Perkins noted that the move would help the Knicks achieve the "best record in the NBA."
"Tom Thibodeau should have a sigh of relief right now," Perkins said. "... I love the idea of Julius Randle playing the five alongside OG Anunoby being like a somewhat stretch four. And then you have Jalen Brunson and probably Mikal Bridges. Who knows who he's gonna put in that fifth spot.
"... If [Randle] embraces his role ... being a guy that's gonna mix it up, picking and popping, picking and rolling, a versatile defender that can switch one through five on the defensive end, I love this for Tom Thibodeau and the New York Knicks," he continued.
Randle underwent right shoulder surgery in April and is expected to be limited in preseason. Meanwhile, he's never been known as a versatile defender or rim protector, never averaging more than 0.6 blocks per game over his first 10 seasons.
Nevertheless, perhaps Randle at center could give the Knicks an offensive advantage in matchups against opponents with traditional big men.
NBA fans roast Kendrick Perkins for endorsing Julius Randle starting at center for Knicks
While Kendrick Perkins appears confident in Julius Randle potentially manning New York's five spot, NBA fans scoffed at the notion.
Following Perkins' hot take, fans on X/Twitter blasted the ESPN analyst, with many questioning his basketball knowledge.
"Julius Randle at the five? Kendrick Perkins is on percs," @HoodiGarland said.
"How are you a trash analyst and a garbage NBA player?" @LaRespectful_ wrote.
"Get this man away from a microphone," @CubanPete__ said.
"Bro thinks a team with Poolius Randle at the five is bound to win the most games in the league," @wrldoftatum wrote.
Time will tell whether Thibodeau experiments with Randle at center to start the 2024-25 season. However, it appears fans would rather see him utilize reserve big men Precious Achiuwa and Jericho Sims more in Mitchell Robinson's absence.
Also Read: 5 perfect trade destinations for Julius Randle if Knicks' system proves incompatible for NBA veteran