Knicks Have Option in Defensive Veteran

The New York Knicks may be a fit for Robert Covington in free agency.

Jeremy Brener | Sep 22, 2024

Dec 16, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Ish Smith (14) attempts to pass the ball against Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington (33) during the second quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

In this story:

New York Knicks

The New York Knicks have a few slots on their roster that they can hand out some non-guaranteed contracts to in hopes of adding some competition in training camp, and if they shine, they could be part of the team's plans during the season.

The Knicks have a massive need at center, but have shown a willingness to play Julius Randle as a small-ball five. If the Knicks are willing to trot out a smaller lineup, they may find that former Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington is a good fit for what they are looking for.

"There is certainly an element of "He's starting to look older than his age" at play here. At 6'7", he may be best suited these days as a small-ball 5—or a 4 man inside lineups with a primary rim protector who doesn't shrink the floor. That's just enough versatility to warrant a contract," Favale writes. "Above all, even as he's lost some defensive jet fuel, Covington retains his disruptor gene. Nobody has matched his steal and block rates while logging as many minutes over the past two seasons."

Covington, who turns 34 in December, started last season with the Los Angeles Clippers but was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers as part of the James Harden blockbuster deal at the beginning of the year.

He dealt with a knee injury last season, but now he is getting closer to optimal health and ready to sign with another contending team as a depth piece. The Knicks could give him a shot in hopes that his defense shines through, which would be a boost for Tom Thibodeau's team.

If his 3-point shot begins to hit as well, it could be a match made in heaven for the Knicks and the former undrafted guard from Tennessee State.

Make sure you bookmark New York Knicks on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

Published Sep 22, 2024

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.