The New York Knicks made a late-offseason splash by trading for Karl-Anthony Towns . They may not be done making some minor moves, as they still have a glaring need at the backup center spot.
Dwight Howard , who has been out of the NBA since 2022 but has not yet given up on making a comeback, has sent an Instagram message offering his services to the Knicks. Interestingly, he was in the Big Apple recently and might be willing to return anytime the team comes calling.
"I was just in New York & I kept hearing the Knicks need a backup," the caption of his Instagram post read.
What about the Knicks' former potential cornerstone?
The addition of Towns has solved New York's conundrum. Before the blockbuster deal, the squad was slated to start Julius Randle at center to flank (presumably) Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby.
No one doubts Randle's talent anymore, especially after he played a key role in transforming the Knicks into contenders.
However, the big man's fit with the rest of his erstwhile squad was as awkward as can be because he excels more with the ball in his hand and can't defend the rim if his life depended on it.
KAT isn't an all-world defender, but at least he has the length and chops to anchor the paint, and his offensive versatility will allow him to mesh better with the rest of the Knicks than Randle would have.
Still, New York's big man depth is exceptionally shallow. Mitchell Robinson, who has started for the franchise in the past four seasons when healthy, would be a high-quality backup center. He has proven effective in rebounding, defending, and doing the dirty work. Unfortunately, Robinson's inability to stay healthy may have made him expendable.
How well would Howard fit on NYK?
Maybe the Knicks should indeed consider the three-time Defensive Player of the Year if searching for an alternative in free agency or the trade market doesn't yield good results.
Howard may turn 39 later this year, but he still appears in shape because he hasn't stopped playing basketball, having taken his talents to Asia. He did take a brief break to participate in the 33rd season of "Dancing with the Stars." The eight-time All-Star has looked lithe on the dance floor, with his partner consistently ranking near the top in scores through the show's first two episodes.
If the Knicks take a flyer on him, they can expect a serviceable big who is comfortable being a rebounding and defensive specialist and not playing too many minutes. Dwight can also provide Towns with enough of a challenge in practice sessions.
It remains to be seen if Howard's New York works out in his favor. If it doesn't, he can continue hooping in Taiwan while waiting for an NBA team to call.
Related: "Spence is the Real Superman!" - Dwight Howard argues neither he nor Shaquille O'Neal deserve the contentious moniker
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