Knicks Replace Robinson with Drummond: Championship Hopes Endure?

Following their first championship in 53 years, the New York Knicks are entering the 2026-27 NBA season with a significant change at center. Mitchell Robinson departed in free agency, signing a three-year, $47.4 million deal with the Boston Celtics. To fill the backup center role, the Knicks secured Andre Drummond on a one-year, $3.9 million contract.

Drummond, a two-time All-Star, brings a different skillset to the team. While not at Robinson's level, Drummond is a strong offensive rebounder and an excellent screener, contributing valuable "screen assist points." He has also developed a three-point shot, though often taken with wide defensive spacing.

However, Drummond presents weaknesses, particularly in scoring efficiency around the basket, where he converted only 54.1 percent of his attempts compared to Robinson's 71.9 percent. His defensive mobility is also a concern, lacking the agility to switch effectively on defense. This trade-off might limit the Knicks' postseason options, where Robinson was crucial for defensive stops against elite players.

Financially, the move is sensible given Robinson's limited playoff minutes and the team's salary cap constraints. The departure of third center Ariel Hukporti may also prompt the Knicks to adopt smaller lineups. New York has explored other center options, including pursuing trades, and could target a more mobile defender or a stretch five before the February trade deadline.