The Knicks’ Center Problem Might Cost Them the Title

The New York Knicks face daunting questions as a repeat NBA championship hangs in the balance. Will the absence of a reliable backup big man expose their vulnerabilities, or can Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond hold down the paint? The stakes are raised as Mitchell Robinson’s impact with the Boston Celtics now looms as a major threat, while Cleveland Cavaliers’ potential moves and a fearsome Toronto Raptors core with Kawhi Leonard and Scottie Barnes could reshape the Eastern Conference hierarchy. Gavin Schall and XJ scrutinize the Knicks’ roster depth, center market dynamics, and high-level Eastern Conference threats like Joel Embiid’s resurgent Philadelphia 76ers. The conversation dives into strategic experimentation, playoff-tested lineups, and the crucial need for flexibility in Mike Brown’s offensive approach. Can Leon Rose outmaneuver rival GMs in a league-wide center arms race? Get the latest analysis on the Knicks’ championship defense, their toughest obstacles, and what must happen to keep the repeat dream alive.     00:00 — Will the center problem cost the Knicks? 01:57 — What if Mitchell Robinson crushes the Knicks on the boards? 12:50 — What if New York can't find a third center? 17:50 — What if the Cavs trade Mobley for Trey Murphy? 22:29 — What if Scottie Barnes makes a leap? 27:28 — What if the Knicks spend the season running their playoff offense?     Photo Credit: Bill Streicher; Brad Penner - Imagn Images       Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-knicks/   Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/nba       Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!   Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.   Cozy Earth Head to https://cozyearth.com and use my code LOCKEDON for an exclusive 20%.   Wayfair Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! Head to https://wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less. Wayfair. Every style. Every home.   FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.