Raise your hand if you’re ready to see Julius Randle logging minutes at center. Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau hinted that Randle, a three-time All-Star known primarily for playing the four, could step in as a backup center behind Mitchell Robinson. The adjustment comes as the Knicks navigate the loss of Isaiah Hartenstein, who departed in free agency this offseason. With Robinson’s health in question following two stress fractures in his left ankle that sidelined him for much of last season and the playoffs, Thibodeau is preparing for a rotational approach. “We’ll probably have to do it by committee. We’ll look at some different things because we have versatility,” Thibodeau told NBA.com. “We could see Julius more at the five. I don’t want to do that for long stretches — it would take its toll — but 10 or 15 minutes? I think he can do it well. He also creates a lot of [offensive] advantages.” Randle is one of only four players to average at least 24 points, nine rebounds, and four assists per game over the past two seasons, joining Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, and Joel Embiid. However, after undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery, the risk of extended minutes at center could jeopardize his availability, something critical for the Knicks’ title hopes this year. But in short bursts, Randle at center could provide the Knicks with a dynamic change of pace. The team’s versatile roster, bolstered by an active offseason, includes shooters and floor spacers who complement Randle’s skill set. He’ll start the season at the four next to Robinson, with OG Anunoby, new addition Mikal Bridges, and team captain Jalen Brunson rounding out the starting five. “Julius has always risen to every challenge. People forget how high a level he’s played at,” said Thibodeau. “Four years ago, he had a monster season without the shooting we have now. The floor will be more open, and we got a glimpse of that in January, his last month before injury.” Thibodeau added, “People forget he was 25, 10, and 5. He’s been integral to our winning over the last four years. The more good players you have, the more sacrifices are needed — not just by Julius, but by everyone.” Slotting Randle at the five, even briefly, would allow the Knicks to insert another shooter like Donte DiVincenzo or Miles McBride into the lineup, or prioritize pace with Josh Hart. Other new acquisitions like Cameron Payne, Landry Shamet, or Marcus Morris Sr. could provide flexibility. “We lost Hartenstein, and that’s a gap we need to fill,” said Thibodeau. “But we have the versatility to play smaller because OG can guard bigs. Julius and Hart can guard big as well.” The Knicks, of course, can’t afford to lean heavily on Randle at center. Preserving his health is crucial for a team looking to survive the grind of an 82-game season and arrive whole for a deep playoff run. That’s why the team will take a calculated, strategic approach to covering minutes behind Robinson, much like last season — only this time, without Hartenstein as a safety net. After Hartenstein’s departure, the Knicks re-signed Precious Achiuwa to a one-year deal worth $6 million. Achiuwa showcased his defensive versatility at the four and five last season, but it remains uncertain whether he can consistently step up as a reliable starting center if Robinson is sidelined. Jericho Sims, last season’s training camp standout, remains on the roster as well. “We dealt with center injuries last year,” Thibodeau reflected. “Mitchell started strong, then went down. Jericho Sims stepped in but also got hurt. Isaiah came in and did great, then Precious and Taj Gibson rotated in. We were constantly rotating centers.” The center position remains the Knicks’ biggest question mark heading into the season, even as the rest of the roster seems more complete. And if the current center rotation falters, the Knicks front office has proven its willingness to make the necessary moves to keep the team competitive and in title contention.