Mitchell Robinson to Return to the Knicks in New Year

New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson is currently healing from his two ankle surgeries. He suffered the injury during last year’s playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers. Robinson, the 36th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, is unlikely to return to the team until at least late January. He has yet to step on the floor this season, but he has made some rehabilitation progress, performing box jumps in videos posted to social media.

Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau explained Robinson’s next steps in recovery:

“I wouldn’t say he’s all-out sprinting, but it’s the next step after jumping. Then it’ll be full-speed running, and once we get through that part, there will be the contact phase.”

Mitchell Robinson to Return to Knicks in New Year

So far this season, the Knicks have been one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Their offense has helped them emerge as a standout team in the NBA. However, the Knicks have struggled defensively and lack depth at the center position, where Robinson’s presence can be useful. He was missed in the NBA Cup Quarterfinal, where the Knicks lost to the Atlanta Hawks, 108-100. The Hawks outrebounded New York 58-49 in that game. Since Isaiah Hartenstein moved to Oklahoma City, center depth has been a premium for the Knicks.

However, the Knicks softened the blow by acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns from Minnesota late in the offseason. Towns has been holding it down on the interior fort and then some for New York. With Robinson out, the Knicks have had to use fellow backups Precious Achiuwa, Ariel Hukporti, and  Jericho Sims. While the center has made some progress practicing with the team, he still isn’t ready to hit the court just yet. ESPN’s NBA insider, Shams Charania, gave an update on Robinson’s return timeline:

“I’m told he’s unlikely to get cleared until at least late January into February, so that pushes his timeline a bit. They need to see whether he comes back healthy and can play or if the Knicks look at the market, potentially need another big one off the bench.” 

Robinson is entering his seventh season as a Knick, but he suffered multiple ankle injuries last year. With his timeline set for early next year, it is clear that New York doesn’t want to take any chances with the center and his ailments. He played 31 games last year, averaging 5.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game.

Robinson in Trade Rumors

Robinson has also been the focus of recent trade rumors, but it is unclear if the Knicks will be active on the trade market. The Knicks have some things to figure out regarding center depth. Although the return of Achiuwa does help, it is unclear whether Robinson can stay healthy. Towns has battled injuries himself, so New York has urgency with its players and rotation.

Teams will be looking to sell fewer stars and more role players to help playoff contenders. That means New York could acquire another established center or find more supporting role players around Towns.  One center New York could look at is Jakob Poeltl from the Toronto Raptors. Poeltl has averaged 15.4 points per game, 10.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.3 blocks so far this season.

If New York were to trade Robinson for Poeltl, the team would significantly improve on both sides of the ball. Because Poeltl has demonstrated defensive skills and offensive versatility, he could be a good help in the paint next to Towns. However, finding suitors for Robinson might be difficult because of his injury history. When healthy, he is an impactful rim protector who is just as dominant in the paint on offense. However, potential suitors will likely proceed with caution because of his recent ailments.

The Last Word on Mitchell Robinson’s Injury Update

Robinson is making strides in his recovery, an encouraging sign for the Knicks. New York has been in need of a backup center since the offseason, and they are counting on Robinson to be that piece. However, the team is very patient in ensuring Robinson is fully healthy.

New York is taking things one day at a time to help the center recover. Besides Towns, the team is not very large, and Robinson can be a key factor in defense and rebounding. New York wants to ensure he is healthy for the long run, so don’t expect Robinson to be rushed back to the court. New York is 23-10 so far in the Eastern Conference, holding the third seed.