Knicks Expect Mitchell Robinson to Return Within Week

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — The New York Knicks are anticipating the return of center Mitchell Robinson, who aims to make his 2024-25 season debut next week, as reported by ESPN on Sunday.

The 26-year-old Robinson has been sidelined since May after undergoing ankle surgery to address an injury sustained during New York’s first-round playoff victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. His full participation in recent scrimmages indicating readiness to return signals hope for a Knicks team struggling defensively.

This season, the Knicks have faced difficulties under the basket, ranking 18th in defensive rating and last in blocked shots per game during the first half of the season. Robinson’s return is timely, as the team’s defensive issues have been exacerbated by the addition of star forward Karl-Anthony Towns.

With averages of 1.9 blocks and 11.7 rebounds per 36 minutes throughout his career, Robinson is crucial for New York’s defense. He has excelled as an offensive rebounder, averaging 4.3 per game since the start of the 2022-23 season. Head coach Tom Thibodeau emphasized the significance of Robinson’s presence, saying, “Robinson’s return will be huge for our defensive strategy.”

While his return is expected in early March, the Knicks are concurrently managing injuries to other key players, including OG Anunoby and Josh Hart. Anunoby is recovering from a foot injury, while Hart is being treated for patellofemoral syndrome in his right knee.

Thibodeau acknowledged the concern surrounding the team’s depth and the injuries, especially as three Knicks players rank among the top minutes played across the league this season. “We need to utilize our bench more effectively, or we risk wearing our starters down heading into the playoffs,” he stated.

Commentators like ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith have expressed apprehension towards the Knicks’ workload management, stressing, “The absence of depth is a concern. Coach Thibodeau tends to over-rely on his starters, which could lead to fatigue come playoff time.”

The Knicks have demonstrated offensive prowess this season but are currently 20th in points allowed per game. Analysts believe Robinson’s re-entry could revamp their defensive capabilities significantly.

“Assuming Robinson stays healthy, his presence will be crucial as the Knicks navigate the latter part of the regular season,” an NBA analyst mentioned. “Creative lineup combinations, including both Robinson and Towns, may offer fresh strategies to improve their rim protection.”

As New York prepares for critical games ahead, fans eagerly anticipate how Robinson’s return will impact the team’s playoff aspirations.