Karl-Anthony Cities performed predominantly as a middle for the New York Knicks final season.
Whereas Karl-Anthony Cities possesses the peak and flexibility to play each middle and energy ahead, the franchise utilized him primarily within the 5 place.
He produced 24.4 factors, 12.8 rebounds, and three.1 assists whereas capturing 42% from three-point vary.
Nevertheless, taking part in middle additionally uncovered Cities’ defensive limitations, drawing criticism all through the season.
Subsequent season doubtless brings place adjustments as Mitchell Robinson returns from harm.
Robinson represents the Knicks’ main middle however appeared in solely 17 video games final season attributable to well being points.
Cities just lately mentioned Robinson’s talents, expressing shock about his teammate’s offensive capabilities past his well-known defensive prowess.
“He’s very gifted together with his toes, simply the way in which he can transfer across the courtroom. I feel y’all know defensively when he’s defending, he’s a menace, can guard in by 5,” Cities defined.
“He makes use of these toes properly in relation to offense, placing himself in good place to get alley-oops and getting all the way down to the rim, fast, offensive rebounding and stuff like that.”
Cities acknowledged having expectations about Robinson’s sport however found extra dimensions to his offensive arsenal.
“I had a superb expectation of what I considered Mitch strolling in, particularly on the offensive finish, how I can maximize his offensive sport. However even he shocked me together with his capability,” he added.
Enjoying alongside Robinson subsequent season may gain advantage Cities considerably, as he can focus extra on scoring whereas shouldering much less bodily demanding defensive tasks.
Robinson’s vertical spacing and shot-blocking capability ought to complement Cities’ offensive ability set, doubtlessly replicating the Rudy Gobert dynamic from Cities’ Minnesota tenure.
The rim safety and defensive presence Gobert supplied allowed Cities to maximise his offensive versatility with out extreme defensive burden.
The Knicks may gain advantage considerably from this double-big lineup, notably concerning their defensive method beneath new coach Mike Brown.
Historical past additionally helps this, as they each performed properly collectively throughout the playoffs. The 2 facilities mixed for a +8.3 factors per 100 possessions in 165 minutes on the courtroom collectively.
