Should Knicks Join Christian Koloko Sweepstakes?

The New York Knicks should inquire about Christian Koloko, who is currently a free agent.

Jeremy Brener | Sep 14, 2024

Apr 5, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) drives the ball against Toronto Raptors center Christian Koloko (35) in the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images / David Butler II-Imagn Images

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New York Knicks

The New York Knicks are still looking for a center and have an open roster spot that can be filled by one.

While the Knicks have discovered multiple different avenues for a center, another one may have opened up with the return of former Toronto Raptors big man Christian Koloko.

Koloko, 24, was the No. 33 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Raptors and he played in 58 games in his rookie year. He didn't play this past season and was waived by the team in January, but it was revealed that Koloko had been diagnosed with blood clot issues and the NBA's Fitness-to-Play panel did not clear him to play.

According to The Athletic insider Shams Charania, Koloko is nearly ready to return and is eligible to be signed by any team.

A few teams are interested in signing Koloko, including the Raptors, Los Angeles Clippers and San Antonio Spurs, but Charania reports that the Los Angeles Lakers are the current favorites to sign him.

"Sources said the Lakers – in need for frontcourt help – are leaders to sign Koloko, the 22-year-old former Raptors second-round pick. He has been deciding among multiple teams and is now finalizing a commitment on a deal to make his NBA return," Charania tweeted.

While the Lakers could sign him, the Knicks should look to see what they can do to bring him in. There is a lot of risk when it comes to Koloko, who hasn't played in the NBA in over a year. However, he has arguably the highest ceiling out of any Knicks centers, including likely starter Mitchell Robinson.

If the Knicks can find a way to sign Koloko and he emerges as a potential starting or backup center, it could be the piece New York needs to win it all.

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Published Sep 14, 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.