The center the Knicks elected not to sign after audition.
The New York Knicks, a team often in the spotlight for their strategic decisions—or sometimes lack thereof—recently have been rumored to pass on signing free-agent center Omer Yurtseven.
The Knicks had auditioned the 7-foot big man, among others, as they looked to bolster their frontcourt depth. However, after careful consideration, they elected not to bring Yurtseven on board, a decision that has sparked curiosity and debate among fans and analysts alike.
Omer Yurtseven, a Turkish-born center, has been making waves in the basketball world since his college days at NC State and later at Georgetown. After going undrafted in the 2020 NBA Draft, Yurtseven found an opportunity with the Miami Heat, where he signed a two-way contract.
Over two seasons with the Heat, Yurtseven showed flashes of potential, particularly during the 2021-2022 season, where he stepped up in the absence of Bam Adebayo, delivering several double-double performances and demonstrating his ability to contribute as a solid backup center.
Despite these promising moments, Yurtseven struggled to secure consistent playing time in Miami’s crowded frontcourt, and following an injury-riddled 2022-2023 season, he became a free agent. With his size, rebounding prowess, and ability to score in the paint, Yurtseven quickly garnered interest from several teams, including the Knicks.
The Knicks’ decision not to sign Yurtseven after his audition has raised questions, especially considering the team’s need for depth behind starting center Mitchell Robinson and backup Isaiah Hartenstein.
While Robinson is an elite shot-blocker and rebounder, his history of injuries has been a concern for the Knicks. Hartenstein, though solid, is not known for his defensive prowess, making the need for a reliable third option at the center position evident.
While the Knicks chose to move in a different direction, Yurtseven’s talents have not gone unnoticed elsewhere. Panathinaikos, one of the most storied clubs in European basketball, has publicly expressed interest in bringing Yurtseven to the EuroLeague.
