Mitchell Robinson is inching nearer to a return, a growth the Knicks can be watching intently as they navigate the challenges of the season.
The seven-foot middle, identified for his rim safety and rebounding, has but to make his season debut as he continues rehabbing from ankle surgical procedure in April. Head coach Tom Thibodeau supplied an replace earlier than the Knicks’ matchup towards the Washington Wizards, expressing optimism tempered with warning.
“Overall, he’s doing very well. He still hasn’t been cleared for practice, so that’ll be the next step,” Thibodeau mentioned. “He’s getting closer to that, but when that is, I’m not quite sure.”
Robinson’s restoration seems to be progressing. He not too long ago posted a video on social media showcasing his skill to carry out field jumps, signaling vital strides in his rehabilitation. Nonetheless, Thibodeau emphasised the significance of persistence, noting that Robinson has benchmarks to clear earlier than he can return to full basketball actions.
“He’s light, he’s lean, and he’s worked extremely hard,” Thibodeau mentioned. “We want to make sure we’re patient and let him work his way through it.”
Robinson hasn’t but began full-speed working or taking contact—two vital milestones in his restoration. Thibodeau outlined the steps forward:
“I wouldn’t say he’s all-out sprinting, but it’s the next step after jumping,” he mentioned. “Then it’ll be full-speed running, and once we get through that part, there will be the contact phase.”
The Knicks are being additional cautious with Robinson, who has endured vital setbacks in recent times. Final season, he suffered two stress fractures in his left ankle, each requiring surgical procedure. The primary got here throughout a December matchup towards the Boston Celtics, sidelining him for months. He returned in time for the playoffs, solely to maintain a second stress fracture within the Knicks’ second-round collection towards the Indiana Pacers.
The Knicks really feel Robinson’s absence within the inside. Regardless of a robust begin to the season, the Knicks have struggled to guard the paint persistently. With a skinny entrance court docket rotation that features Karl-Anthony Cities, Valuable Achiuwa, Jericho Sims, and rookie Ariel Hukporti, Robinson’s defensive presence is sorely wanted.
Cities, acquired within the blockbuster commerce that despatched Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesota, has bolstered the offense however doesn’t provide the identical defensive anchor Robinson offers. The Knicks, now sitting close to the highest of the Jap Convention standings, may use Robinson’s elite rebounding and rim safety to solidify their standing as contenders.
Robinson’s skill to dominate the glass—particularly on the offensive finish—was on full show earlier than his damage final season. He was on a historic rebounding tempo earlier than taking place and has averaged eight factors, eight rebounds, and two blocks per sport over his six-year profession.
Preliminary projections prompt Robinson may return between December and January, however latest stories point out his comeback could not occur till February. The timing is vital, because the Knicks wish to consider his match alongside Cities earlier than the Feb. 6 NBA Commerce Deadline.
Robinson has been a frequent title in commerce discussions, together with his $14.3 million wage making him one of many staff’s most movable property exterior the beginning 5. Nonetheless, his return may additionally function the improve the Knicks want with out making further strikes.
As Robinson inches nearer to a return, the Knicks face a balancing act: making certain their prized defender is absolutely wholesome whereas assessing how he suits right into a reshaped roster. Whether or not Robinson turns into a key piece in a playoff push or a possible commerce asset, his presence—or absence—will considerably influence the staff’s trajectory.
