When the 2026-27 season kicks off, the New York Knicks will look to defend their 2026 NBA Championship. To do so successfully, they’ll need some luck. And they’ll also need to fill out their roster, which requires adding at least one more player. New York currently has only 13 players under contract. And while the Knicks’ Summer League team gave them some things to think about through the first few games, other prospects continue to impress, as well.
Undrafted center’s play should make Knicks consider roster spot
Liam Robbins, a player who went undrafted in the 2025 draft and played most of last year with the Milwaukee Bucks’ G-League affiliate, had been unimpressive through the team’s first few games in Las Vegas. But he put himself on New York’s radar with his most recent performance.
The 7-footer tallied 15 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals, and four blocks. Robbins took advantage of the opportunities presented to him. He showed an ability to score off of offensive rebounds. He also flashed a mid-range jumpsuit, as well as 3-point range—though he did connect on only one of his four 3-point attempts.
“I’m someone who can come in, give good energy, play D and play The Knick Way…championship effort,” Robbins recently told ESPN’s Cassidy Hubbarth.
“I’m someone who can come in, give good energy, play D and play The Knick Way…championship effort”
–– Center prospect Liam Robbins to @CassidyHubbarth as Knicks get 1st summer W:
15 points
6-13 FG
1 three
5 boards
3 offensive
3 assists
2 steals
4 blocks pic.twitter.com/yWSGuLmX84— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) July 13, 2026
The fact that Robbins highlighted his defense is encouraging, given that the Knicks have only two seven-footers on their roster, Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond. And while Towns demonstrated considerable growth on the defensive end of the floor, he still got himself into foul trouble a little too often. And Drummond is widely seen as a defensive liability. Thus, Robbins has a chance to make the roster—or at least spend some time with New York next season—by virtue of a lack of defensive-minded centers.
Knicks’ 39th overall pick also making name for himself
But it wasn’t only Robbins who showed out in the Knicks’ recent Summer League victory. Jack Kayil impressed with his strong play. Kayil scored 19 points, dished out four assists, and collected three steals. The 20-year-old German guard showed good control of the game and demonstrated an ability to push the pace. He also connected on three of his seven 3-point attempts—something that will never hurt one’s chances.
Granted, Kayil was the featured player for the Knicks with Pacome Dadiet and Mohamed Diawara missing the game. But still, Kayil took advantage of the opportunity.
The problem with Kayil’s chances is that he is a guard. And New York has more than enough guards. Their backcourt rotation is set with Jalen Brunson, Jose Alvarado, Tyler Kolek, Mikal Bridges, Miles McBride, Landry Shamet, and Jordan Clarkson. So, while Kayil might be a good prospect, he is likely more of a longer-term prospect. And that means there is probably not room for him on the defending champs’ roster.
New York is extremely well-positioned to defend their championship. Sure, there is more competition. But the Knicks are returning most of their impact players from last season—except for Mitchell Robinson. They’ve added Drummond and a few nice draft picks, who can they continue vetting. And they still have one more spot to fill, which may be used on a draft pick. Or it may go to an unrestricted free agent—or maybe Leon Rose and co. have something else up their collective sleeve. But one thing’s for sure—whoever they sign will likely impact their success to some extent, especially if they go with a center.
When the 2026-27 season kicks off, the New York Knicks will look to defend their 2026 NBA Championship. To do so successfully, they’ll need some luck. And they’ll also need to fill out their roster, which requires adding at least one more player. New York currently has only 13 players under contract.
