The New York Knicks
have witnessed considerable activity over the last few days. After being tied to several free agents to fill out the 14th spot on their roster, the Knicks finally made a decision by adding veteran wing John Konchar
.
For the most part, the Knicks seem geared to enter training camp with a 14-man roster. While this leaves the door open for one player to fill out the final spot, it is safe to say that the competition will be intense, especially after New York
boosted their training camp roster with some new additions.
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Among the recent players who received an Exhibit 10 contract, former Tennessee guard/forward Igor Milicic Jr.
and former Vanderbilt big man Liam Robbins
demand some attention. So let's take a closer look at them.
Igor Milicic Jr. is a 6'10" swingman who played four years in college before making a move to the NBA. Last year, the 24-year-old signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Philadelphia 76ers
, which proved largely unfruitful, considering that he was waived shortly after. However, this proved worthwhile, as it allowed him to join Philadelphia
's G League affiliate team, the Delaware Blue Coats, for the 2025-26 season.
During his senior year at Tennessee, Milicic Jr. averaged 9.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. Although his scoring and rebounding upside was promising, the guard's 31.4% shooting from the perimeter was largely underwhelming.
While there was scope for improvement, last season's display in the G League was quiet, as he posted 6.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game while shooting 40.9% from the field and 28.2% from three-point range. This year's Summer League performance with the Spurs
wasn't much better, as he posted 4.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 0.6 steals per game on 30.3% shooting from the field and 20.0% from beyond the arc.
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Although Milicic Jr.'s perimeter shooting isn't impressive, his defensive presence on the wings and hustle could be considered worthwhile.
Along with Milicic Jr., the Knicks also signed Liam Robbins
, a 27-year-old center who played five years in college, representing Drake, Minnesota
, and Vanderbilt. Although he declared for the 2023 NBA Draft, the 7'0″ big man went undrafted, leading him to join the New Orleans Pelicans
on an Exhibit 10 deal that season.
Much like Milicic Jr., Robbins was waived by the Pelicans. In the following year, he underwent the same process with the Milwaukee Bucks
, who waived him after offering him an Exhibit 10 deal. However, the 2024-25 season was more productive, as he earned a spot on Milwaukee's G League affiliate team, the Wisconsin Herd. He averaged 10.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game that season.
Last season, Robbins represented the Rip City Remix, Portland
's G League affiliate team, averaging 8.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. While these figures don't necessarily stand out, his performance earned him a spot on the Knicks' Summer League roster, where in five appearances, he posted 9.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game.
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At 27, Robbins positions himself as a sturdy big man with a solid foundation. While his offensive upside is limited, his reputation as a reliable defender, which has been cemented with multiple All-Defensive selections in college, is noteworthy.
So who is a more likely pick to fill the Knicks' 15th roster spot?
Realistically, neither.
Although both Robbins and Milicic Jr. possess traits and skills that could be considered worthwhile, the Knicks may not see enough reason to offer them a standard contract just yet. When also considering that both these players will be competing with a veteran NBA center in Drew Eubanks
, among other players, for the roster spot, the competition is bound to be stiff.
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The current outlook for both Robbins and Milicic Jr. may be bleak, but this doesn't mean they can't be a part of the Knicks next season. Although New York has only one roster spot remaining, the Knicks still have all three two-way spots available.
Given their potential, the franchise may see the value in offering them a two-way deal. This would allow New York to invest in their development by sending them to the G League and occasionally testing them during the regular season.
The Knicks' current roster inspires confidence
, especially with its formidable blend of star power and role players. However, given the team's need for a backup center, New York may see value in using the final roster spot to add a big man later in the campaign
.
