Alonzo Adams, USA TODAY SPORTS

Should Knicks Sign Re-Sign Isaiah Roby After Training Camp Cut?

Originally posted on FanNation All Knicks
By Jeremy Brener | Last updated 12/20/23

The New York Knicks could use another big or two for reinforcements after Mitchell Robinson went down with an ankle injury set to sideline him for 8-10 weeks. Interior depth took another hit on Wednesday when ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Jericho Sims, Robinson's replacement in the starting five would miss a week or two with an ankle injury of his own.

Isaiah Hartenstein, fresh off a career-best 17 rebounds in Monday's win over the Los Angeles Lakers, has done a good job shouldering the load and longtime Tom Thibodeau companion Taj Gibson was added last week but it's possible they could search for another name in the meantime.

In listing "sneaky" free agent signings for each NBA team, Bleacher Report's Zack Buckley suggests that the Knicks bring back Isaiah Roby, who the team cut in training camp this fall but has since found a role on the Knicks' G League team in Westchester.

"New York also still has just a single traditional power forward on the roster in Julius Randle," Buckley writes. "While that's obviously by design, it's possible the Knicks could seek out more size from their non-center spots. Roby offers that at 6'8" and 230 pounds, and he plays a bit bigger thanks to his bounce. When he has it rolling, he can shoot from range and finish at the basket while offering a bit of versatility on defense."

Roby, who entered the league with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2020, found himself in a rebuilding situation with the San Antonio Spurs last season but struggled to carve out a consistent role. Playing 11.3 minutes per game, Roby wasn't too efficient and eventually was waived by the Spurs before the Knicks signed him on the final day of last year's regular season.

Roby signed an Exhibit 10 contract shortly after the Knicks cut him in training camp, and he's been playing with the G League team in Westchester ever since. He is averaging 13.2 points and 7.1 rebounds (best among Westchester regulars) as the Knicks' prospects qualified for the G League Winter Showcase. Roby and Westchester continue their track on Thursday morning in Orlando when they face the Golden State Warriors' prospects from Santa Cruz (11 a.m. ET, ESPN2).

This article first appeared on FanNation All Knicks and was syndicated with permission.

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