Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau expressed uncertainty on Sunday a few January return for injured heart Mitchell Robinson, elevating the chance of a February debut however not utterly ruling out an early return.
Robinson, who underwent a second process to restore a stress fracture in his left ankle, hasn’t performed for the reason that Knicks’ second-round playoff opener on Might 6.
Initially projected to return between December and January, the timeline has shifted because the group workouts warning along with his restoration.
“He’s doing all that he can do. Medical has a big say in [whether or not he will return in January], as well,” Thibodeau stated after apply on the Tarrytown coaching facility. “Just be patient and let him work his way through it. And when he’s ready, he’s ready. So focus on the guys that we have, and have Mitch focus on the rehab part of it, which he’s done a great job with. We’re proud of him for doing that. And when we get him, it’ll be a big plus.”
Thibodeau stated there have been no setbacks in Robinson’s rehab, however the Knicks are treading fastidiously given his historical past with stress fractures — two in the identical foot in a single season.
Regardless of the gradual strategy, Robinson has taken important strides.
“I’ve seen a lot [of progress],” stated group captain Jalen Brunson. “I’m just happy for him. Seeing him in the gym with a smile, it’s great to see. Very hopeful we get him back pretty soon.”
Robinson’s return is essential for a Knicks protection that has struggled regardless of its robust offensive begin. As one of many league’s premier rim protectors and offensive rebounders, Robinson has been the spine of New York’s protection since being drafted thirty sixth total in 2018.
His return has the potential to redefine the Knicks’ rotations in a number of impactful methods: Pairing him with Karl-Anthony Cities in a dual-big lineup might present New York with a major measurement benefit and a dependable defensive anchor within the paint. Alternatively, staggering Cities with the second unit whereas Robinson stabilizes the beginning lineup would bolster scoring for a Knicks bench that has struggled this season. Plus Robinson, who’s more likely to come off the bench in his return, may even slot into the second unit alongside Valuable Achiuwa, including much-needed measurement and defensive depth to a bunch that has lacked consistency.
“Yeah, with him I think it’ll be a big key. Just playing against him, knowing how he is,” stated Mikal Bridges. “Set a screen, rolling and also rebounding and defensively just make it difficult on guys. That definitely helps a lot.”
For all his expertise, Robinson’s accidents have been a recurring problem. His sturdiness can be essential to maximizing his affect upon returning to the lineup.
“It’s good. Just for him, I know it’s probably not fun being out for so long with the rehab process and things like that, but it seems like it’s going really well,” Bridges stated. “And just him being around and doing the work.”
Harm Updates: Cities and Hart Take part in Follow
Cities missed the previous two video games after struggling a thumb sprain in Monday’s loss to the Detroit Pistons, whereas Hart injured his shoulder in Friday’s loss to the Timberwolves.
Each are anticipated to be listed as questionable for Monday’s matchup towards the Atlanta Hawks.
“They went through practice, and we’ll see where they are tomorrow,” Thibodeau stated.
Hart, recognized for his toughness, initially harm his shoulder and performed via the ache earlier than re-injuring it later and checking himself out of the sport. He briefly acquired examined earlier than returning to the scorer’s desk and subbing himself again onto the ground.
“Well, two-fold. Like, normally he’s not one of those guys that is gonna stay down long. If he can go, he goes,” stated Thibodeau. “He’s tough-minded, and so it was good to have him come back and then to see him out there today. We’ll see how he responds tomorrow.”
Hart’s willingness to play via accidents has turn into an indicator of his profession.
“I’m not surprised. The competitor he is, he wants to get out there,” Brunson stated. “If he feels good enough to play, I just know he’s gonna play. That’s who he is.”
“Being able to play through pain, that’s just who he is,” Bridges added. “He’s always been like that.”
R AND R
The Knicks welcomed a much-needed two-day break earlier than Monday’s 3:30 p.m. tipoff towards the Hawks. For a group with 4 starters rating within the high 5 in minutes performed — and Cities within the high 10 earlier than his harm — any alternative for relaxation is invaluable.
The group took Saturday utterly off to get better earlier than returning to apply in Tarrytown on Sunday.
“Good, like a good day for recovery, and then a good day to get some work in. The schedule has been quirky, but that’s just sort of the nature of it anyway,” head coach Tom Thibodeau stated. “You end up with 41 home, 41 away, and it seems like the days off are all coming in the same window. Usually, it’s spread out. It is what it is. Sometimes it’s in your favor. Sometimes it’s not.”
Brunson emphasised the significance of off days as an opportunity to guage private contributions to the group. The Knicks can have one other three-day hole of their schedule after back-to-back video games on Monday towards the Hawks and Tuesday at Barclays Middle towards the Nets.
“It’s great to have off days to kind of reset. It gives you time to reflect on where you need to be and where you need to go individually and what you can bring to the team,” Brunson stated. “It’s always good for us to reset, look at each other, and get back on track.”
