Noel stepping up to fill for Mitch
Who needs another center? The Knicks have Nerlens Noel.
Mitchell Robinson has a broken hand. Backup center Taj Gibson was back in New York with a sprained ankle and could be out awhile. Coach Tom Thibodeau faced the Pistons on Sunday with one healthy center. And it was more than enough. The Knicks didn’t die when Robinson went down and Noel became the starter. In fact they have thrived, building a 6-2 record.
Sunday at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena, Noel was a raging rim protector, notching eight points, 11 rebounds, three blocks and three steals in 39:37 of court time.
Noel had played 41 minutes on Saturday against Indiana.
Just ask Detroit rookie Saddiq Bey if the Knicks need to upgrade the center position after he got humiliated by Noel on a driving stuff attempt that got rejected soundly.
“If you don’t know, you’re going to find out,’’ Noel said about his message for penetrators to the rack. “I’m protecting the rim by any means. It’s a great aspect to my game I try to play at a high level. Just do enough to change the game. Just come in and find out.’’’
Knicks president Leon Rose doesn’t seem ready to add another center quite yet. Not with Noel playing this well.
“I definitely don’t want anyone hurt on this team,’’ Noel said. “But I’ve taken that spot and made a focal point to man this team and be the anchor on the defensive end and do the small little things to help us win. I think I’ve been at a high level.’’
If Noel’s knees hold up, the Knicks should be OK. The Post has reported team brass is “analyzing’’ whether a move for the available Andre Drummond makes sense.
Center DeMarcus Cousins, whose stock is low, is still a free agent after being unceremoniously waived by Houston.
“That’s a Leon question,’’ Thibodeau said before the game. “We have more than enough on the roster so we’ll figure out a way. We have guys that can play multiple positions and then we’re going to have to take care of the rebounding, gang rebound. Everyone has to contribute in that area.’’
➤ Combo guard Austin Rivers traveled with the team to Detroit for Sunday’s game and was on the bench. The Post reported Rivers never appeared on the Knicks’ bench during Saturday’s win.
A Knicks official said he was getting treatment for an ankle injury but was available to play if need be.
➤ Dennis Smith Jr. scored seven points with four assists, seven rebounds and three steals in his first game against the Knicks since the Super Bowl Sunday trade. But he shot just 3 of 11. The new Pistons starting point guard will be back at the Garden Thursday . ... The Knicks were 13 of 26 from 3-point land (50 percent).