3 trade targets the Knicks must pursue to replace Mitchell Robinson

#1: Isaiah Jackson-Indiana Pacers

Isaiah Jackson would be a great fit, maybe even a perfect fit for the Knicks, and is probably the best “replacement” for Mitchell Robinson. He has a similar build and skillset to Robinson. Although he’s slightly shorter, Jackson is an athletic and efficient scorer, a terrific lob finisher, great in pick-and-roll situations, plays aggressive but smart defense, and crashes the boards like a madman. 

The Pacers utilize a three-man rotation at center with Myles Turner, Jalen Smith, and Jackson. The former Kentucky Wildcat currently averages 7.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 14.7 minutes per game. While he hasn’t proven to be the force on the offensive glass that Mitch is, he’s still a solid rebounder, averaging 11.3 rebounds per 36 minutes. 

Despite only starting a handful of games in his young career and never averaging more than 16 minutes per game, Jackson has never averaged less than 1.4 blocks. He ranks 17th in the league in blocks per game, and according to Basketball Reference, he averages 3.6 blocks per 36 minutes and 4.7 blocks per 100 possessions. He’s recorded at least one block in 15 of his 19 appearances and has eight multi-block games, including two games in which he recorded four blocks. 

Robinson does a lot more than rebound and block shots on defense, and no one person (at least of the realistic options, anyway) can replicate what Mitch does for this defense. Still, Jackson's athletic ability and shot-blocking prowess would do wonders for a Knicks defense that's allowing over 52 points in the paint per game in Robinson's absence. 

Jackson is still on his rookie deal, so he won’t significantly impact the salary cap. The Pacers exercised their team option for the final year of his contract, so, at the very least, he’s under team control for one more year. If he plays well enough in Robinson’s stead, he may convince the Knicks to give him a contract extension and replace Mitch as the lead center in the Garden.