The reigning NBA champion Knicks enter training camp with three major questions: whether Mohammed Diawara can earn a wing-rotation role, how well Andre Drummond can cover for Mitchell Robinson, and whether last season’s playoff form can carry into 2026-27.
New York brings back 10 of its top 11 players; Robinson and Ariel Hukporti were its only free-agent departures. Diawara, the 51st pick in 2025, played 634 minutes across 67 rookie-season games and shot 36.9% from three. The 6-foot-9 wing could add depth behind OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart, though the article notes his sample was small and opponents had not focused on him. He signed a four-year, $11.2 million deal. Five players also received non-guaranteed camp deals, and it remains unclear whether any will make the roster.
Drummond’s cap hit is $2.4 million, compared with Robinson’s $15 million. The article cites last season’s Value Over Replacement Player (VORP)—a measure of contribution above a replacement-level player—at 0.4 for Drummond and 1.6 for Robinson, and says Drummond is a weaker defensive presence than Robinson. It suggests New York could seek another center via trade if he makes little impact. The Knicks won 13 straight playoff games and posted a 119.9 offensive rating, but the piece questions whether their offensive balance and stronger postseason defense will continue, and raises the possibility of fatigue after playing into June.
