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Knicks Nearly Landed Raptors Center

The New York Knicks have been looking for a backup center, and nearly signed a now-division rival.

Jeremy Brener

Feb 15, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Bruno Fernando (24) dunks against the New York Knicks during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Feb 15, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Bruno Fernando (24) dunks against the New York Knicks during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images / Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
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The New York Knicks have been scouring far and wide for a backup center.

SNY insider Ian Begley is reporting that the Knicks had some interest in a veteran center, who ended up signing with a division rival.

"The only new information I have here is that, as of late last month, the Knicks were at the very least exploring the market for a veteran center," Begley writes. "Earlier in the offseason, the Knicks had some interest in signing Bruno Fernando. Fernando signed a nonguaranteed deal with the Raptors in early August."

Fernando, who turned 26 last month, averaged 6.3 points per game for the Atlanta Hawks in 45 appearances with the team last season. He could have been another option for the Knicks at center and he would likely have competed alongside Jericho Sims to be the backup for Mitchell Robinson, but it wasn't meant to be at this time.

The options for the Knicks in the free agent market for centers are thinning. The fact that the Knicks haven't signed anyone yet is a sign that they are comfortable rolling with the crew they currently have. The urgency level in New York to sign a center simply isn't there.

It seems like the Knicks want to keep that open roster spot vacant for now and see how Robinson, Sims and Precious Achiuwa work out. In the best case scenario, the three of them are suitable and they don't have to find an upgrade right away.

It might get a little dicier in the middle of the season if one of them gets hurt. But for now, the Knicks have three potential centers in good health and they will get a chance to prove the franchise right for believing in them and not immediately searching for their replacement.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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