New York Knicks: 4 must-follow storylines this season

New York Knicks storyline No. 4. Who is the starting center?

After the 2019-20 NBA season in which Mitchell Robinson set a new all-time field-goal percentage record, it seemed likely that he would be the New York Knicks’ full-time starting center in 2020-21. He was — until injuries removed him from the rotation.

Tom Thibodeau inserted Nerlens Noel, and the center dazzled, finishing the season as the only player to average at least two blocks and one steal per game. His play earned him a three-year, $27.7 million deal to return to the Knicks.

Robinson, on the other hand, will be an unrestricted free agent next offseason barring an extension, which could happen before the regular season’s start according to a report published by the New York Post.

Given the Knicks’ commitment to Noel, it begs the question of whether he will remain the starting center, leaving Robinson in the second unit. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the center spot is up for grabs.

"“In bringing Nerlens Noel back, I was told Nerlens wasn’t promised the starting center spot, but he’ll have a chance to compete for it.”"

Training camp begins in less than a month and preseason follows shortly after. The fight for that center spot will commence then, and the winner will be declared in time for the Knicks’ first game of the season on Oct. 20.

Whether Thibodeau chooses the young, bouncy center in Robinson or the slightly more polished rim protector in Noel, both will serve as a rim-runner and shot-blocker, anchoring the team’s interior defense.