The New York Knicks' frontcourt depth took a significant hit on October 15, as veteran center Drew Eubanks suffered a torn pectoral muscle and will be waived by the team. This injury ends the 29-year-old's bid for a roster spot just days before the 2026-27 NBA season begins, adding to existing questions about the team's center rotation.
Drew Eubanks sustained a torn pectoral muscle in training camp, an injury expected to sideline him for an extended period. The Knicks, who signed the 6-foot-10 veteran to a non-guaranteed contract in September, have decided to waive him as a result. Eubanks brought eight seasons of NBA experience to New York, most recently averaging 5.2 points and 3.0 rebounds in 13.1 minutes per game for the Sacramento Kings last season. His 59.6% field goal percentage showed efficient finishing around the rim, a skill the Knicks hoped would bolster their bench. The exact severity of the tear and a recovery timeline are not yet public, but the injury is serious enough to end his preseason campaign.
This setback complicates New York's ongoing search for reliable size. The team entered training camp with a clear need to solidify its center rotation behind its starters, and Eubanks represented a low-cost, experienced option. His injury now forces the front office to look elsewhere internally or explore the waiver wire. The timing is far from ideal, as the Knicks look to finalize their roster. It also follows a tough stretch of preseason games where interior defense has been tested. New York allowed 148 points in a preseason loss to the Toronto Raptors on October 13, and gave up 122 points to the Minnesota Timberwolves the night before. While preseason results aren't definitive, they highlight areas needing attention.
With Eubanks out, the competition for the final roster spots intensifies among remaining big men in camp. Coach Tom Thibodeau and his staff must now evaluate other options to provide frontcourt minutes and rebounding. The team's immediate focus shifts to its final preseason matchup, a rematch against the Toronto Raptors at home on October 15. After that, final roster decisions will be made before the regular season tips off. Fans can track the team's updated schedule and player availability on our schedule and injuries pages. The front office may also be active monitoring other teams' final cuts, looking for a veteran who can step in and contribute immediately.
The preseason has presented challenges for New York as they work on rotations. Their four exhibition games have resulted in losses, including that 148-98 defeat in Toronto and a 122-104 loss to Minnesota. They also fell 111-109 to the Washington Wizards on October 8 and 120-97 to the Philadelphia 76ers on October 5. These games are primarily for evaluation, but the point totals allowed will concern a coaching staff known for its defensive emphasis. Integrating new players and managing minutes for key contributors has been the priority, but the Eubanks injury introduces an unexpected variable just as the rotation was taking shape.
