With open spots still on the roster, the New York Knicks have been eyeing moves to help boost the bench in the upcoming season. The Knicks have been focused on size and versatility when evaluating what is left on the open. AS a result the Knicks have signed free agent center Kevin Seraphin to a one-year contract which could end the team's pursuit of other free agents.
According to Ian Begley of ESPN.com, the Knicks have signed Seraphin to a one-year contract worth $2.8 million after looking at the former Washington Wizards player for weeks. The contract to Seraphin is the room exception, the smallest of the three mid-level exceptions that the Knicks have. He becomes the eighth new player that the Knicks acquired this season after averaging 6.6 points and 3.6 rebounds in 79 games last season.
Seraphin will likely be a backup to Robin Lopez who signed a deal in free agency. For the time being he was the lone true center on the roster, meaning it was essential that the Knicks brought on more size for help. They did acquire Kelly O'Quinn in a trade, but he is not guaranteed to make the roster. Instead, Seraphin will play behind Lopez while also assisting with Kristaps Porzingis who will see a lot of playing time this upcoming year as both a starter and reserve.
The contract to Seraphin likely ends the Knicks' pursuit of other centers in the league. New York was first linked to Carlos Boozer who remains on the market. The power forward would have been a strong defensive presence on the court while also having the shot to contribute on offense. Considering Boozer and Seraphin offer the same type of skill set, the former Los Angeles Laker will not be signing on. The same can be said for players like JaVale McGee who continues to get a lot of interest, but has yet to sign a deal for any team. The Knicks will also not be trading for Chris Andersen like they were linked to at one time.
All of these additions are to help Phil Jackson in his quest to improve the team's defense. After missing out on Greg Monroe, DeAndre Jordan and LaMarcus Aldridge in free agency, the Knicks were left to sign depth on the market and hope that it turns out to be productive. Paring Seraphin with Lopez, Porzingis and Derrick Williams could turn out to be a good combo for New York.