Center Cole Aldrich will attend training camp with Knicks

Mar 13, 2013; Sacramento, CA, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) and Sacramento Kings center Cole Aldrich (45) fight for position under the basket during the second quarter at Power Balance Pavilion. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Chicago Bulls 121-79. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

It appears as if the New York Knicks are intent on signing each and every available big man on the NBA free agent market before their training camp begins. That process continued earlier in the week with the signings of Ike Diogu and Josh Powell, and on Tuesday, the team announced the signing of former Kansas Jayhawk and Oklahoma City Thunder center Cole Aldrich.

ESPNNewYork’s Ian Begley has reported that Aldrich’s contract is non-guaranteed, and virtually amounts to a training camp invite to compete for a roster spot when camp ends. This isn’t too much of a surprise based on Aldrich’s semi-woeful track record, and he has been a significant letdown since being a lottery pick in the 2010 draft.

Aldrich could certainly be considered an “upside” signing, as he is only 24 years old, and there are real skills with the 6-11 big man. He’s a prolific rebounder with the potential to block shots at a high level, but he’s limited by a lack of offensive skills. There is a case to be made to Aldrich just needs an opportunity to shine, and he’ll most likely get every opportunity to prove himself worthy of a roster spot in New York.

Everyone that the Knicks have signed (all 19 of them) can’t make the regular season roster, but Cole Aldrich has a legitimate chance.

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