Mitchell Robinson’s recovery from injury is taking longer than expected, with the New York Knicks targeting a potential return in December or January. This setback is a significant blow for the team, which is already struggling with center depth following the departure of Isaiah Hartenstein.
Robinson’s injury history has been troubling, featuring several lower-body procedures over the past year that limited his postseason contributions. His current condition raises concerns about the Knicks’ ability to protect the paint effectively.
Last season, Robinson averaged a career-low 5.6 points per game, partly due to fewer shot attempts. Despite being an excellent rebounder and shot-blocker, his limited scoring and availability are critical issues for New York as they look to solidify their frontcourt.
With Hartenstein now gone, the Knicks relied heavily on him last season, particularly during the latter half when he developed a strong rapport with star guard Jalen Brunson. Unfortunately, free agency restrictions prevented the Knicks from retaining Hartenstein, allowing the Oklahoma City Thunder to secure his services.
In light of Robinson’s ongoing recovery, the Knicks have been linked to potential trades for other big men, such as Walker Kessler, Clint Capela, and Robert Williams. However, no deals have materialized yet.
The situation raises questions about the Knicks’ urgency to make a move to bolster their frontcourt depth. Recent trades, like those for Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, caught many by surprise, suggesting that Knicks president Leon Rose could be exploring options behind the scenes.
The team has the draft assets and enough guard depth to pursue additional players. Deuce McBride’s name has come up in trade discussions, especially after the acquisitions of Landry Shamet and Shake Milton, but the Knicks are reportedly hesitant to part with him unless they receive significant value in return.
Robinson’s presence is crucial for the Knicks, and they’ll need to navigate the early part of the season without him. The current depth issues could impact the team’s performance as they seek to establish themselves in the Eastern Conference.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on the Knicks’ front office to see how they respond to Robinson’s injury. Finding a suitable replacement or enhancing their roster could be essential for maintaining competitiveness.
With the start of the season just around the corner, the Knicks face a challenging situation. How they manage without Robinson, especially in the early games, will be pivotal to their success moving forward. The organization will need to be proactive to ensure they remain in contention while waiting for Robinson’s return.