The Knicks Face a Critical Decision at Center This Offseason
The New York Knicks are heading into one of the most consequential offseasons in recent memory, and one of the biggest question marks hovering over Madison Square Garden has nothing to do with their star guards or wing depth. It's about the middle. Mitchell Robinson, the Knicks' long-tenured center and one of the most dominant rebounders in the league when healthy, is set to hit free agency, and there is no guarantee he returns to New York. If he walks, the Knicks will need a plan — and the 2024 NBA Draft, specifically pick No. 24, could provide exactly that.
Enter Henri Veesaar, a 7-foot forward from the University of North Carolina. Veesaar has emerged as one of the more intriguing big men available in this draft class, and with several quality centers expected to be on the board late in the first round, the Knicks would be wise to keep his name circled on draft night. Let's break down why Veesaar could be a compelling selection and what he would bring to New York's frontcourt.
Who Is Henri Veesaar?
Henri Veesaar is a 7-foot Estonian-born big man who played his college basketball at North Carolina under head coach Hubert Davis. Standing at 7 feet with excellent length and mobility for his size, Veesaar represents a modern breed of big man — one capable of operating both near the basket and further out on the floor. His size alone makes him an immediate presence in the paint, but what separates him from a traditional post player is his developing skill set and his ability to affect the game in multiple ways.
During his time at UNC, Veesaar showed flashes of genuine upside. He demonstrated the ability to finish around the rim, protect the basket, and even step out and face up defenders on the perimeter. For a team like the Knicks, who rely heavily on pick-and-roll actions and need a big who can function in a modern offensive system, his versatility is an attractive trait.
Why Veesaar Makes Sense for the Knicks
Filling the Mitchell Robinson Void
Mitchell Robinson has been the Knicks' starting center for years, and his value is well understood inside the organization. He is one of the best offensive rebounders in the NBA, an elite shot-blocker, and an exceptional rim finisher on lob plays. However, his durability has been a persistent issue — Robinson has struggled to stay on the floor through full seasons, and that uncertainty has complicated contract negotiations.
If Robinson departs, the Knicks will need someone who can at least provide a foundation at the center position while they explore other options. Veesaar's size and shot-blocking instincts make him a natural candidate to step into a developmental role that could grow into something significant. He won't replace Robinson overnight, but he carries the physical tools to eventually become a legitimate starting-caliber center at the NBA level.
A Pick-and-Roll Partner for Jalen Brunson
One of the most important factors in evaluating any big man the Knicks might add is how well they complement Jalen Brunson. Brunson is the engine of New York's offense, and he thrives in pick-and-roll situations. He needs a center who can set a hard screen, roll hard to the basket, and finish at the rim when the defense collapses. Veesaar's length and improving footwork suggest he has the potential to develop into exactly that type of partner.
Additionally, if Veesaar continues to develop his mid-range and perimeter game — something he showed glimpses of in college — he could eventually threaten defenses as a pick-and-pop option, which would open up even more driving lanes for Brunson and give the Knicks' offense another dimension to work with.
Depth and Development at a Position of Need
Even if the Knicks manage to re-sign Robinson, adding a young, high-upside big in the late first round is sound roster construction. The Knicks have been burned by Robinson's injury history before, and having a capable, physically imposing backup center on a rookie contract would give head coach Tom Thibodeau more options and flexibility across an 82-game season and into the playoffs.
Late first-round picks are often best used on players with genuine starting potential who simply need time and development. Veesaar fits that profile cleanly. He's not a finished product, but few 7-footers with his combination of mobility and skill are ready to step in and contribute at a high level immediately. The Knicks' player development staff would have a legitimate project to work with, and the upside of that investment could pay dividends for years.
The Draft Landscape at No. 24
The 2024 NBA Draft features several intriguing big men who are likely to be available when the Knicks are on the clock. Veesaar is widely projected to be one of those players still available in the mid-to-late first round, and the Knicks would not be alone in their interest. Teams ahead of them at Nos. 22 and 23 could also be searching for frontcourt help, meaning New York may need to be decisive when their pick arrives.
The good news is that Veesaar's profile — a 7-footer with mobility and skill from a high-major program — tends to generate significant interest at this stage of the draft. If the Knicks have done their homework and believe in his trajectory, they should not hesitate to pull the trigger.
Final Thoughts
Whether Mitchell Robinson stays or goes, the Knicks need to think seriously about the long-term health of their frontcourt. Henri Veesaar represents exactly the kind of bet that late first-round picks are designed for — a high-upside player with a clear role, the right physical tools, and legitimate development potential. At No. 24, the Knicks won't be selecting a sure thing, but with Veesaar, they'd be selecting something arguably more valuable: a foundation to build on.
Draft night is unpredictable, and board positions shift quickly. But if Veesaar is available when New York picks, Knicks fans should be excited about what that selection could mean for the future of their team's frontcourt.