Knicks Face a Difficult Choice for Their Final Roster Spot

The Knicks are considering John Konchar and Drew Eubanks, but only one may offer the depth New York truly needs for its NBA title defense.

The New York Knicks have preserved most of the roster that delivered their first NBA championship in 53 years.

Their final offseason decision may involve considerably less famous names, but it could still influence the team’s chances of repeating.

John Konchar and Drew Eubanks have reportedly attracted New York’s attention as the front office attempts to complete the roster before training camp. Both veterans should be available on affordable contracts, and each would address a different weakness.

Konchar would add a versatile guard-forward capable of defending, rebounding and moving the ball. Eubanks would provide another traditional center behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond.

With limited room below the second apron, the Knicks may not be able to sign every player they like. They must identify which problem presents the greater threat during an 82-game season.

The Knicks Have Little Financial Flexibility

New York currently has 13 players on guaranteed standard contracts and is expected to begin the season with 14 rather than filling every available position.

That approach would preserve financial flexibility, but it would also make the next signing particularly important.

The Knicks cannot solve the problem by offering a significant contract to the best remaining free agent. Their investment in Towns, Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart has left the franchise close to the second apron.

Any additional player will likely need to accept a minimum agreement or compete for a place during training camp.

This is no longer about acquiring the most talented name available. New York must find an inexpensive veteran whose skills complement the existing rotation.

Konchar and Eubanks satisfy that requirement in different ways.

John Konchar Offers More Than His Scoring Average

Konchar would not join the Knicks to become a major offensive option.

The 30-year-old averaged 4.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 steals in approximately 20 minutes per game last season. His scoring numbers are modest, but they do not completely explain his value.

Konchar can contribute without controlling the ball.

He rebounds extremely well for a perimeter player, makes quick passes and understands how to maintain the movement of an offense. Defensively, he can guard multiple positions and generate turnovers with active hands.

Those characteristics could make him an effective reserve for Mike Brown.

New York’s bench contains several smaller guards, including Miles McBride, José Alvarado and Jordan Clarkson. Konchar would give the second unit another player capable of defending wings and competing on the glass.

He would also fit alongside Brunson because he does not need regular touches. Konchar could concentrate on defending, cutting and converting open shots created by New York’s stars.

His perimeter shooting remains the primary concern.

Konchar made only 28.3 percent of his three-point attempts last season, significantly below his career average of 34.9 percent. Opponents could leave him open and use the additional defender to pressure Brunson or Towns.

The Knicks would need him to rediscover a respectable shooting level before trusting him during the playoffs.

Drew Eubanks Would Fill a More Urgent Position

Konchar may offer greater versatility, but Eubanks would address the most obvious vacancy on the roster.

Towns and Drummond are currently New York’s only established centers. That creates a dangerous situation if either player suffers an injury or needs to rest.

Eubanks could become the third center and provide insurance throughout the regular season.

The 6-foot-10 veteran averaged approximately five points, three rebounds and 0.6 blocks in limited minutes with Sacramento. His season ended prematurely after surgery on his left thumb, making his health an important consideration.

When available, Eubanks is an energetic interior player who can set physical screens, finish around the basket and challenge shots. He does not require offensive plays and should understand that his opportunities would be limited behind Towns and Drummond.

That willingness to accept an uncertain role could be important.

New York does not necessarily need its 14th player to contribute every night. It needs someone capable of entering the rotation when injuries, foul trouble or difficult matchups create an opportunity.

Eubanks would provide that protection at the team’s weakest position.

Konchar Could Have Greater Playoff Value

The regular season may favor Eubanks, but the postseason creates a different argument.

Playoff rotations become shorter, and third centers frequently receive very little playing time. Teams prefer versatile defenders who can switch across multiple positions and contribute without disrupting offensive spacing.

Konchar could potentially earn minutes in more matchups.

His rebounding would help New York use smaller lineups, while his defensive activity could provide Brown with another option against elite perimeter scorers. If his three-point shooting improves, he could become a useful low-usage wing.

Eubanks may struggle to remain on the floor against faster teams. Opponents could involve him in pick-and-roll actions and force him to defend guards away from the basket.

That does not make Konchar the automatic choice.

The Knicks must reach the playoffs healthy before worrying about their postseason rotation. Carrying only Towns and Drummond as reliable centers would place unnecessary pressure on both veterans during the regular season.

Eubanks Would Reduce the Risk Around Drummond

Drummond was signed to replace Mitchell Robinson, but he is entering his 15th NBA season and has experienced reduced availability in recent years.

If Drummond misses games, New York could be forced to use Anunoby as a small-ball center or increase Towns’ workload.

Neither strategy should become a long-term solution.

Eubanks would allow Brown to manage Drummond more carefully and avoid placing additional physical demands on Towns. Even 10 dependable minutes could become valuable during back-to-backs and difficult stretches of the schedule.

His presence would also give the Knicks more time to evaluate the trade market.

New York could use Eubanks as temporary frontcourt insurance before pursuing a more complete center near the deadline.

Which Player Should the Knicks Sign?

Konchar may be the more versatile basketball player, but Eubanks appears to fill the more necessary role.

The Knicks already possess several guards and perimeter defenders. Their options at center are significantly more limited, especially after losing both Robinson and Ariel Hukporti during the offseason.

Eubanks would not dramatically improve the championship rotation. He would instead protect it from the consequences of an injury.

That may be exactly what New York needs from its final guaranteed player.

Konchar would still be an excellent training-camp addition if the Knicks can create enough flexibility to evaluate both veterans. His defense, rebounding and passing could make him a better long-term fit than his scoring average suggests.

If New York must choose only one, the decision should be based on risk.

Konchar offers greater tactical versatility. Eubanks provides essential frontcourt insurance.

For a defending champion whose biggest weakness is the lack of another center, choosing Eubanks may be the safer and more logical move.