Mitchell Robinson final performed for the New York Knicks on Could 6 in a 121-117 win over the Indiana Pacers. It was then reported he had undergone surgery for a stress fracture in his left ankle on Could 13. Robinson wasn’t seen for the remainder of the season.
According to SNY’s Ian Begley, Knicks followers might be ready some time longer to see their 7-foot middle again within the rotation. Begley reported that each the Knicks and Robinson’s camp have been approaching his rehab cautiously, that means New York is aiming for a return to the courtroom between December and January.
“So far as Mitchell Robinson, he is not going to be prepared for the beginning of the season, per SNY sources,” Begley wrote. “The Knicks and Robinson do not need to rush the rehab course of and is focusing on a December/January return date, per sources. Robinson and the Knicks are being cautious and need to ensure that he’s one hundred pc wholesome earlier than he will get again. New York is assured within the depth and flexibility of the roster till Robinson returns.”
Shedding Robinson for the season’s opening months might be a major take a look at for Tom Thibodeau’s staff, as it’s going to already be with out Isaiah Hartenstein, who joined the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder earlier this summer season. Throughout a latest interview with Steve Aschburner of NBA.com, Thibodeau famous that he could be trying to his staff to fill the void on the middle as a “committee.”
“When he [Mitchell] went out, Jericho Sims began initially, then he acquired harm,” Thibodeau said. “Then Isaiah got here in and did what he did. However when he acquired harm, Treasured [Achiuwa] got here in together with Taj Gibson. So we rotated guys at that place all the 12 months. We’ll in all probability should do it by committee. We’ll take a look at some various things, as a result of we’ve versatility — we might see Julius extra on the 5. I don’t need to try this for lengthy stretches, it will take its toll, however to have him do it for 10 or quarter-hour, I feel he can do it nicely.”
Robinson’s presence within the middle of the courtroom is a giant a part of the Knicks’ defensive technique. His measurement and physicality are perfect for how Thibodeau desires his roster to execute on protection. Nevertheless, it makes extra sense to take time rehabbing the veteran large man slightly than speeding him again and probably shedding him for the playoffs later within the season.
New York does have another choices on the middle place, with Jericho Sims a candidate to get a major bump in taking part in time to start out the 12 months. It doesn’t matter what occurs, it is honest to imagine that Knicks followers might be counting down the times for Robinson to return, not as a result of he’s a real game-changer for the franchise, however as a result of that would be the first time we get to see what this Knicks team can do if it is totally wholesome.
