Today, Michael Scotto reported on X that the New York Knicks have agreed to a two-way contract with center Dmytro Skapintsev.
The New York Knicks have agreed to a two-way contract with center Dmytro Skapintsev, league sources told @hoopshype. He’ll provide needed size at center with Mitchell Robinson and Jericho Sims injured.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) December 23, 2023
You may recognize the 25-year-old, 7’1”, 215 lb Ukrainian from his time with the Westchester Knicks and the Summer League gang.
Per DraftExpress, he “had the longest wingspan with a sensational mark of 7’6.25, the 4th longest mark in EuroCamp history edging Bismack Biyombo. He also measured a terrific 9’4 1/2 standing reach, which is elite for a center as well.” That’s a big boy!
This summer, Skapintsev appeared in five Summer League games, and averaged 7.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.6 assist and 1.8 blocks over 17.3 minutes. He last signed an Exhibit-10 contract with the Knicks in August, only to be waived in September.
In 28 games with the Westchester Bockers, over this and last season, he has proven to be a reliable back-up, averaging 5.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 16.6 minutes per game. He’s another poor foulshooter, though . . . it’s an epidemic.
At Madison Square Garden, Skapintsev will join a pool of Isaiah Hartenstein and Taj Gibson at center, while Jericho Sims (sprained ankle, 1-2 weeks) and Mitchell Robinson (ankle surgery, TBD) recover. Most likely, Dmytro will be a break in case of emergency player, since Hartenstein is a boss and Thibs has well-earned trust in Taj Gibson. Nevertheless, we’re happy to have him. Welcome Dmytro!