Knicks Trade Rumors: 6’9 Forward Returns to New York To Cover for Injured Julius Randle

The New York Knicks encountered a notable obstacle in their season when forward Julius Randle suffered an injury during the heated game against the Miami Heat on January 27th. Fans grew anxious at the thought of this impressive streak and a newfound level of competitiveness abruptly ending, but there’s hope as Randle’s recuperation is anticipated to span weeks rather than months, indicating that the season is salvageable. However, new updates arrive that might just be even better.

According to an Instagram post by Adrian Wojnarowski, “He’s back! Free agent F/C Taj Gibson is signing a 10-day contract with the New York Knicks, Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tells ESPN.” Gibson joined the Knicks in December due to injuries suffered by Mitchell Robinson (ankle) and Jericho Sims. However, his contract was terminated before it became fully guaranteed.

Although Sims has since recovered, Robinson is still sidelined. With Randle out for a few weeks, Gibson is expected to offer frontcourt support once more. In the ten games he played this season, Gibson recorded averages of 1.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks in 9.7 minutes per game.

Read More: Knicks Injury Update: Latest on Julius Randle Gives New York a Sigh of Relief

Despite that, the Knicks will feel the absence of Randle’s impressive averages of 25.5 points, nine rebounds, and five assists per game in his last 40 games, shooting at 50-33-80 splits. They’ll also feel his absence in the nine 30-point games he’s delivered this season, along with numerous clutch performances, and the fact that he hadn’t missed a single game until his injury. Although dealing with this loss for only a short period rather than the entire season is somewhat relieving, it still presents a difficult challenge for the Knicks moving forward.

So Gibson’s appointment is a short-term solution for the Randle problem, but his return was probably because of Tom Thibodeau.

Taj Gibson is the best answer for the Knicks

Gibson’s 10-day contract covers only five games. After that, the Knicks must decide whether to offer Gibson another 10-day deal, release him, or sign him for the remainder of the season. They can only offer two 10-day contracts at most. Gibson, who openly expresses his ambition to pursue coaching post-retirement, has played under Thibodeau on three different teams (the Bulls and Timberwolves included).

Thibodeau values Gibson’s leadership and role in conveying his messages to the team. Thus, for five games, the Knicks have a dependable center back to the fold. Fans will have their fingers crossed hoping that the Knicks’ good run continues with Gibson while also sincerely hoping for Randle’s return.

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