Report: Mitchell Robinson to miss start of season, making Knicks’ front-court situation murky

The Knicks will reportedly be without presumed starting center Mitchell Robinson to start the season, according to Fox Sports NBA reporter Yaron Weitzman. The 26-year-old big man will likely miss the first couple months of the season at least.

This is quite the blow for the Knicks. After the blockbuster trade that landed them Mikal Bridges and re-signing OG Anunoby, New York didn’t have the necessary cap space to retain Isaiah Hartenstein. Hartenstein, who signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder for three years and $87 million, was a huge part of the Knicks’ success last season. He was a thorn in the Sixers’ side in the first round of the playoffs with his offensive rebounding prowess and floater game playing off MVP candidate Jalen Brunson.

Now Mitchell will miss at least the first two months of the season. There’s some thought that Julius Randle could slot into some center minutes, but the three-time All-Star is coming off an injury of his own. The 6-foot-8 power forward missed the last 35 games of the regular season and all of New York’s 13 playoff games, ultimately having surgery on his right shoulder in April. It’s also no certainty Randle is ready for the opener either, per ESPN’s Chris Herring, who noted the veteran forward would “be ready to play by or near the start of the season.”

In the long run, the Knicks will be fine. As we know, the NBA regular season doesn’t carry as much weight and New York is talented and deep enough to stay afloat. But still, this will hurt them a bit to start the year. How head coach Tom Thibodeau replaces Robinson’s minutes will be interesting. Fourth-year big Jericho Sims is the only other true center signed to a standard contract. The team also has German rookie Ariel Hukporti signed to a two-way deal. The reality is the Knicks will likely still comb the trade market for bigs. Even if Robinson and Randle are 100%, the depth behind them could use a boost.

Robinson is be a huge factor against the Sixers. He has the size, strength and athleticism to give Joel Embiid some difficulty. Robinson’s ability to hit the offensive glass and protect the rim will also help New York considerably in any matchup with the Sixers.

The Knicks will kick off the regular season in Boston on Oct. 22 as they take on the defending-champion Celtics.