Knicks Notes: Randle, DiVincenzo, Back-Up Centers, Kolek

Only 11 days have passed since shipping Julius Randle And Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesota has been completed, but they will return to Madison Square Garden tonight when the Curtsy Host the Timberwolveswrites Newsday's Steve Popper. Randle is not expected to play as he continues to rehab after surgery on his right shoulder, but fans will have a chance to welcome back DiVincenzo, who was instrumental in last season's success.

“Both he and Julius have contributed so much to the organization and the team.” trainer Tom Thibodeau said. “So there’s a lot of appreciation for them and what they’ve done. So it's part of our league and we definitely wish them all the best. I have great respect for them. I know her teammates do. I know the organization does. I think that also applies to our fans. They played a big part in the victory.”

It looked like this for most of the summer Mikal Bridges was expected to be the Knicks' biggest offseason addition, adding another versatile forward to a roster that looked poised to compete for an NBA title. That changed at the end of September when the opportunity to purchase arose Karl Anthony cities from Minnesota.

“I think the whole thing happened quickly and somewhat unusually” Josh Hart said. “A trade three days before the start of training camp, that was kind of strange because this weekend you're kind of preparing for training camp next Monday. So that was unusual and then of course we have to play them on Sunday. It’s a little unusual, but the NBA is a crazy business.”

There's more from New York City:

• According to Zach Braziller of the New York Post, since camp opened, the Knicks have been more focused on blocking outside distractions than talking about competing for a championship. “As much as we want to get back to the Game of 7 (the Eastern Conference semifinals) last year and continue where we left, we have to start the journey all over again.” Jalen Brunson said. “… No matter what people say, positive or negative, we have to have mental toughness and just care about what’s going on in this building, in this organization.”
• Thibodeau will not have a regular replacement for Towns at the start of the season, Braziller added. Jericho Sims, Ariel Hukporti And Precious Achiuwa Maybe everyone will see time in this role, and OG Anunoby could be used as a center in small ball lineups. “Jericho’s athleticism is completely different than most.” Thibodeau said. “Ariel is a young man coming into the game, he already has a defensive component. But he has to learn the offensive part of the game and that will come. But both are very good.”
• Second round pick Tyler Kolek has averaged 13 points, three assists and two steals in his first two preseason games and could struggle for playing time as the season progresses, Braziller explains in a separate story. “I’m still figuring it out and finding my pace” Kolek said. “Maybe I didn’t look at the basket as aggressively in practice. So there was a certain intention in these games to get those looks because then my passing opens up everything else.”