New York Knicks: 3 takeaways from New York’s preseason opener

The New York Knicks’ centers have to get healthy, but there is promising depth

Starting center Mitchell Robinson is still out nursing a foot injury. Back-up center Nerlens Noel, who was the defensive anchor for much of last season, also sat due to injury. Insert veteran 36-year old center Taj Gibson. Scoring 14 points on 6-9 shooting and six rebounds, it’s easy to see why coach Thibodeau had him start.

While Taj steadied the ship defensively, he showed his ability to shoot the ball outside of the paint.

Rookie Jericho Sims of Texas also added some surprising electric plays offensively. While he had some defensive lapses, much of that is to be expected for a young player in his first NBA game. There is a lot to be excited about when it comes to his potential. But it is clear, he is not the long-term answer at the backup center position at this time.

The hope right now is that Sims can get valuable playing time while Noel and Robinson continue to make their way back to the floor. When they do come back, he will have two defensive stalwarts to sit back and learn from.

But in the meantime, it’s nice to see that he came out with energy and effort and showed no signs of backing down from anyone.