Knicks should throw struggling center a lifeline

Omer Yurtseven had an impressive rookie season with the Miami Heat in the 2021-22 NBA season. He emerged as a legitimate prospect for the future. However, a bone issue in his left ankle left him sidelined for most of his sophomore year. He was then acquired by the Utah Jazz on a two-year deal, with the franchise choosing to waive the big man at the start of free agency. 

According to an NBA executive who spoke with Heavy Sports' Sean Deveney under the condition of anonymity, Yurtseven could be the answer to the Knicks' search for an Isaiah Hartenstein replacement. 

“For what they need, he might be a really good fit,” the executive said. “His defense has always been a question mark, but they did a good job with Hartenstein on that and I think they could get there with him. Omer, when we have seen him, very active on the glass, a pretty good scorer, and if you want someone you can bring off the bench and be a contrast to what you get with (Mitchell) Robinson, I think you’d have to consider him.”

Yurtseven, 26, would be a reclamation project for the Knicks. He is the type of big that Tom Thibodeau likes. He is a true seven-footer, plays physical defense, rebounds at a good level and sets hard screens. His fit within the Knicks' offensive system makes sense.

New York has strengthened its roster throughout the opening weeks of free agency. As such, its ability to spend has been significantly hampered. Yurtseven's status as a struggling center could give the Knicks an opportunity to sign him on a small, partially guaranteed deal and look to rebuild his value throughout the season.

Thibodeau has done an exceptional job of providing his players with a defined role within his system, allowing them to thrive under his guidance. Hartenstein is a strong example of Thibodeau's system elevating role players. If Yurtseven panned out and proved himself, the Knicks could have a reliable bench big on a team-friendly deal moving forward. If not, they could release him with little impact on their cap sheet.

Yurtseven is averaging 5 points and 4.6 rebounds for his short career. It makes sense for the Knicks to at least kick the tires on what adding him to their roster could look like.