Locked On Knicks - Daily Podcast On The New York Knicks

The Knicks’ Perfect Center Target May Finally Be Available

October 7, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

The Knicks' Perfect Center Target May Finally Be Available

A single Kevin O'Connor tweet changed the calculus of the New York Knicks' offseason. According to O'Connor, the Milwaukee Bucks are "open for business" on both Brook Lopez and, more importantly, 22-year-old center Kallel Ware. For the Locked On Knicks hosts Gavin Shaw and XJ, this represents the single best avenue for the Knicks to actually improve at center after losing Mitchell Robinson, rather than simply treading water with veterans like Andre Drummond.

Why Ware's Skill Set Is Disproportionately Valuable

XJ's central argument is that most NBA analysts evaluate big men by counting skills—can he pass, can he dribble, can he create—rather than weighing which skills actually drive impact. Ware is not Karl-Anthony Towns; he is not an elite passer or shot-creator. But XJ argues that comparison misses the point. "Disproportionately, what makes Towns Towns is his shooting," he says. "You have a seven-footer who when he's on the court, he has to be guarded at all times out on the perimeter. That changes the whole dynamic of your offensive approach."

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What you'll learn

1 (01:05) **Introducing Kalel Ware as the Knicks' Ultimate Center Target** - The hosts frame the episode around Ware as the highest-ceiling center prospect available, and whether he could be the missing piece for a Knicks repeat.
2 (03:26) **Why Ware's Shooting is Disproportionately Valuable** - XJ argues Ware's elite 3-point shooting at 7-foot creates the same offensive gravity as Towns, even if his other skills are less refined.
3 (07:00) **Gavin's Statistical Deep Dive on Ware's Offense** - Gavin presents Ware's advanced numbers, noting elite shot selection and promising rim finishing, but flags concerns about off-ball gravity and free-throw shooting.
4 (09:53) **XJ's Rebuttal: Ware's Gravity is Already Real** - XJ argues that the off-ball gravity metrics are skewed by Ware's youth and low minutes, and that on-court reality already forces defenders to guard him.
5 (11:27) **Defensive and Tertiary Skills: Rim Protection and Rebounding** - Gavin and XJ examine Ware's defensive profile, highlighting elite rebounding, good but not great rim protection, and a remarkably low foul rate.
6 (15:54) **How Ware Fits on the Knicks: 48 Minutes of Stretch Five** - XJ envisions Ware playing every non-Towns center minute, creating a scenario where the Knicks have a 40% three-point shooter at center for the entire game.
7 (18:55) **The Trade Package: Deuce, Kolek, and a Pick** - Gavin proposes a specific trade: Deuce McBride, Tyler Kolek, and a 2033 first-round pick, arguing it's a fair price for Ware's upside.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Guests on this episode

Gavin Shaw

Show Notes

The New York Knicks eye a transformational move: could Kel'el Ware solve their long-standing center conundrum? Gavin Schall and XJ break down how the 22-year-old Milwaukee Bucks big man’s elite rim protection potential, pick-and-pop versatility, and near-40% three-point shooting could elevate and extend the Knicks’ championship ceiling. With Mitchell Robinson's departure, does Ware’s unique blend of rebounding, vertical spacing, and perimeter gravity offer more long-term upside than any other available option?

Discussion heats up around hypothetical trade packages involving Deuce McBride, Tyler Kolek, Mo Diawara, and unprotected future first-round picks. The guys debate whether Milwaukee would actually move Ware, what his fit alongside Karl-Anthony Towns could mean for the Knicks’ frontcourt, and if New York can keep its core of Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, and Towns intact. Key insights include the shifting arms race for elite centers across the NBA and how Ware might complete the Knicks’ quest for back-to-back titles.

00:00 – Is Kel'el Ware the Knicks' ultimate answer at center?
01:04 – Why Kel'el Ware has elite upside and fits perfectly with the Knicks
10:38 – Gametime Ad Break
12:04 – Why the current data UNDERRATES Kel'el Ware
21:57– FanDuel Ad Break
23:17– BetterHelp Ad Break
24:54 –Would the Bucks actually trade Ware to the Knicks?
33:24 – Thanks and please subscribe!

Photo Credit: Wendell Cruz - Imagn Images

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