Basketball in New York is never just about the box score. It’s about the vibe, the grit, and whether or not you can survive Tom Thibodeau yelling at you for forty-eight minutes. Recently, the New York Knicks decided to add a little more length to their bench, and honestly, the name might have caught some casual fans off guard. The Knicks sign former Lakers center Trey Jemison III, a move that feels like a classic "Thibs" project.
Is he a superstar? No. Is he a household name? Unless you’re a die-hard UAB fan or followed the Lakers' chaotic center rotation last year, probably not. But in the context of this current Knicks roster, specifically with the massive Karl-Anthony Towns trade still settling in and Mitchell Robinson’s health always being a topic of conversation, this signing is actually pretty interesting.
Who is Trey Jemison and Why the Knicks?
Basically, Jemison is a 6-foot-11, 260-pound mountain of a human being. He’s a traditional big. He doesn't want to shoot threes. He doesn't care about highlights. He wants to hit people, grab rebounds, and exist in the paint.
He spent time with the Los Angeles Lakers last season on a two-way deal, appearing in 22 games. While his stats—roughly 2.6 points and 2.8 rebounds per game—won't make you do a double-take, the efficiency will. He shot 62% from the field in LA. That’s the kind of "finish the play and get back on defense" energy that Leon Rose and the Knicks front office love.
The Knicks didn't just stumble into this. They had him in for a workout, according to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post. They also looked at veterans like Alex Len (who was around for training camp) and Thomas Bryant. But they went with Jemison for a two-way slot, joining Kevin McCullar and Tosan Evbuomwan. It’s a low-risk, high-reward move for a team that desperately needs rim protection when KAT is resting or playing the four.
The Lakers Connection: What Went Wrong in LA?
You’ve got to feel a little for the Lakers' front office. Last season was a revolving door for their bigs. After the blockbuster trade that brought Luka Doncic to Hollywood—yeah, that actually happened—the Lakers were desperate for size. They cycled through Jaxson Hayes, Christian Wood, and even Alex Len for a hot minute.
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Jemison performed "admirably" in his limited minutes, but the Lakers were looking for a different archetype. They eventually moved toward Deandre Ayton to pair with Luka. Jemison became the odd man out.
For the Knicks, this is a "buy low" opportunity. You’re getting a guy who has been in the Lakers' pressure cooker and didn't fold. He’s a lob threat (though the Lakers didn't use him that way much) and a physical presence. Honestly, the Knicks just need a body that can give them six fouls and some decent screen-setting. Jemison fits that bill to a T.
How He Fits Into the Thibs "System"
Let’s talk about the rotation. Right now, Karl-Anthony Towns is the focal point of the frontcourt. He’s brilliant, but he’s not exactly a bruising, defensive-first center. Mitchell Robinson is the defensive anchor, but everyone in New York holds their breath every time he jumps.
The Knicks sign former Lakers center Trey Jemison primarily as insurance. He’s a two-way player, meaning he’ll spend a lot of time with the Westchester Knicks, but don’t be surprised if he gets called up for a random Tuesday night game in Charlotte when the team is tired.
Thibodeau’s system demands two things from centers:
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- Verticality: You have to protect the rim without fouling (mostly).
- Rebounding: You have to finish the defensive possession.
Jemison is a glass-eater. At UAB, he was a monster on the boards, and that translated to the G-League and his short NBA stints. He isn't going to demand the ball. He isn't going to complain about touches. He’s going to set a screen that feels like running into a brick wall and then dive to the rim.
The Financials and the "Two-Way" Reality
People see "Knicks sign former Lakers center" and think it’s a major trade. It’s not. It’s a two-way contract.
Under the current CBA, this is how smart teams build depth. You get a guy who can play up to 50 games for the main roster while developing him in the G-League. If Jemison shows out, the Knicks can convert his contract to a standard NBA deal later in the season.
This move also signals that the Knicks are being very careful with their cap space. After the Bridges and Towns trades, the "apron" is a very real thing they have to navigate. Signing young, hungry guys to two-way deals is the only way to fill out the roster without breaking the bank.
What Fans Are Getting Wrong About This Move
A lot of the talk on Knicks Twitter is whether Jemison is "better" than Jericho Sims. Honestly? They’re different flavors of the same thing. Sims is more athletic; Jemison is arguably more physical and a better natural rebounder.
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The misconception is that Jemison is here to replace anyone. He’s not. He’s here to compete. He’s here to ensure that if the injury bug bites the frontcourt again—like it did during that heartbreaking playoff run last year—the Knicks aren't forced to play a 6-foot-5 shooting guard at center.
Actionable Insights for the Season Ahead
If you’re a Knicks fan or a fantasy basketball manager looking for a deep, deep sleeper, keep an eye on these things:
- Watch the Westchester Stats: If Jemison starts averaging a double-double with 2+ blocks in the G-League, a call-up is imminent.
- The Robinson Factor: Mitchell Robinson’s return timeline will dictate Jemison’s minutes. If Mitch is slow to return, Jemison could see 10-12 minutes a night as the backup "true" center.
- Screen-Assist Potential: Watch how Jalen Brunson uses Jemison. Brunson loves a big who sets solid screens, and that’s Jemison’s specialty.
Ultimately, this isn't a move that wins a championship on its own. But it’s the kind of move that wins a random game in February when your starters are gassed. Jemison is a worker. He’s tough. And in New York, that’s usually enough to get the fans on your side.
The Knicks are clearly looking to beef up. By bringing in a guy who already has experience in the Lakers' spotlight, they’re betting on maturity and raw physical tools. It’s a smart, quiet move in an offseason that has been anything but quiet.
Keep an eye on the injury reports and the two-way rotation. Jemison might just be the next "nobody" who becomes a Garden favorite for doing the dirty work.
Next Steps for Following the Knicks Roster:
- Monitor the Westchester Knicks box scores for Jemison's rebounding and block percentages.
- Track Mitchell Robinson's practice availability to see when the center rotation will tighten up.
- Watch for the 10-day contract window in February, which is often when two-way players like Jemison get evaluated for full-time roster spots.