Knicks Mailbag: How can NY address lack of frontcourt depth?

It’s another edition of Knicks Mailbag, with SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley ready to answer your questions surrounding the team. Let’s get started…

Does the Knicks front office not see any concern with the lack of frontcourt depth off the bench? Bench seems guard-heavy, little to no wings or bigs – @Jblackwing

Hey JBlackwing, great question. Before I answer, I just want to say that I can’t claim to know what the entire Knicks front office is thinking or not thinking. It’s a big group that presumably holds varied opinions on the roster. But I do know that at least some Knicks decision-makers have their eye on at least one frontcourt player at the moment. 

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Per SNY sources, guard-forward John Konchar and forward-center Drew Eubanks are among the players on New York’s radar as we draw closer to training camp. Konchar, recently waived and stretched after a trade to Minnesota, is known as a strong rebounder/defender/offensive connector who can knock down perimeter shots over his seven-year NBA career. Eubanks’ 2025-26 season in Sacramento was cut short in March following surgery to repair a UCL tear in his left thumb. The 6-foot-10 veteran would presumably be competing with a couple of other big men for the Knicks’ third center spot. 

New York, the defending NBA champion, has enough money under the second apron to add another veteran minimum contract. The club currently does not have enough salary space to add two players on veteran minimum deals. Per owner James Dolan, the team will not be exceeding the second apron in team salary ($221 million) this season.

Teams over the second apron have fewer tools to build out their roster, as ESPN’s Bobby Marks explains.

Yes. First time caller, long time listener, Ian. What’s the latest on Brunson following his surgery? Are the Knicks planning on taking it slow with him to start the preseason? – @NYKSection310

Thanks for calling, Section 310. I don’t have an update on Jalen Brunson’s recovery at the moment. One of the things you’ve learned about Brunson over the years: he is extremely dedicated to his rehab after an injury.

The initial timetable for Brunson to resume basketball activities was six to eight weeks. That would put him back on the court later this week. The second part of your question is an interesting one. I do think the Knicks will play Brunson lighter minutes in the preseason. I believe all of the players who logged heavy minutes in the Knicks’ title run will play lighter minutes in the preseason. Could be a good opportunity for some younger Knicks (Mohamed Diawara, Tyler Kolek, Pacome Dadiet, etc.) to get extended minutes.

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What’s your read on McBride’s future with the Knicks? Is he a likely trade piece for a big? Love him but feels hard to see him extended – @SBart_89

You have a tremendous background pic, SBart. As a grown man, I don’t want to count other people’s pockets. But not much has changed on my read for the Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart extensions since last month. If I had to make a wager, I’d bet that both deals get done before the season.

When do Knicks single-game tickets go on sale? Trying to buy opening night tickets. Coming from California. Would love the insight. Love your coverage! – @CoachD0721

Appreciate the kind words, Coach. Unfortunately, I don’t have any information on that. I hope you get to the game.