The New York Knicks made a cost-effective move by signing veteran center Andre Drummond to replace Mitchell Robinson, but analysts warn of a potential downgrade in defense and finishing. Last result: San Antonio Spurs 90-94 New York Knicks (2026-06-14).
What happened?
The Knicks lost Robinson to free agency after he signed a $47.3 million deal over three years. In response, they signed Drummond to a one-year, $3.8 million contract. While Drummond brings rebounding and some offensive versatility, concerns arise over his defensive limitations compared to Robinson. The team remains strong at center with Karl-Anthony Towns leading the position.
Why it matters for New York Knicks
Drummond, a 14-year NBA veteran, has two All-Star selections but hasn’t been a starter since 2018. Last season with the Philadelphia 76ers, he averaged 6.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and under 1.0 block per game. His 35.6% three-point shooting adds a new dimension, but his defensive shortcomings could hurt the Knicks, especially in a recent form of 4W-0D-1L (WWWWL, most recent first).
What comes next?
The Knicks will rely on Drummond as a backup to Towns, hoping his experience and rebounding can offset defensive lapses. With a 4-game winning run, the team must integrate Drummond smoothly to maintain momentum. The signing reflects a budget-conscious approach, but only time will tell if the downgrade in defense is worth the savings.
