It's far from the first Noel, but Christmas could come late for a New York Knicks group starving for reinforcements in the frontcourt.
Per Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, the Knicks are one of several teams that have expressed "exploratory interest" in signing center/forward Nerlens Noel. The 29-year-old, whose last NBA action came with the Brooklyn Nets in 2023, previously partook in head coach Tom Thibodeau's first two seasons with the Knicks (2020-22).
Injuries in the New York frontcourt have forced Thibodeau and Co. to turn to old friends, as Taj Gibson is back with the team in the latter stages of a second 10-day contract. Scotto's report says that the Knicks checked on Noel's availability before bringing back Gibson to his set of 10-days.
The Knicks (33-22) have to make a move on Gibson's fate, as players can sign only two 10-day deals with the same team. While adding Noel probably wouldn't move the needle on the Knicks' championship chances, New York is probably yearning for interior assistance thanks to an onslaught of injuries that have led to four consecutive losses going into this weekend's All-Star festivities.
By losing Mitchell Robinson (ankle), Julius Randle (shoulder), and Isaiah Hartenstein (Achilles), the Knicks have not had any of their top three rebounders in their lineup in any of the past three games. Precious Achiuwa has done his part, but the sizable trio's impact is apparent on the recent rebounding ledgers.
In a successful January, the Knicks were outrebounding opponents by nearly nine a game. They're still in the black thanks to Achuiwa's efforts, but the advantage has fallen to less than six and the Knicks have posted a 2-5 record.
The Knicks will have some time to make their decision in peace: with the All-Star activities in full swing, they don't return to action until Feb. 22 in Philadelphia (7 p.m. ET, MSG).
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