The New York Knicks will be without center Mitchell Robinson at the start of the regular season due to offseason ankle surgery, as confirmed by league sources to ESPN. This development further strains an already limited center position.
Robinson, who participated in just 31 games last season, underwent ankle surgery in December. He sustained another foot/ankle injury during the Knicks’ first-round playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers, resulting in him missing the final six games of the second-round series against the Indiana Pacers.
Sources indicate that the Knicks hope to have Robinson back in December or January, although his return will depend on the progress of his rehabilitation.
Center Position Challenges
The center position was already in question after last season’s main starter, Isaiah Hartenstein, signed a three-year, $87 million contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Alongside Robinson’s absence, New York has re-signed Precious Achiuwa for one year at $6 million this summer and retains fourth-year center Jericho Sims.
In a recent interview with NBA.com, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau mentioned the possibility of forward Julius Randle, who has a $30.9 million player option for the 2025-26 season, playing at center in a small-ball lineup.
Historically, Thibodeau has favored a more traditional approach, prioritizing size and rim protection in his defensive schemes, both with the Knicks and during his previous coaching stints with the Timberwolves and Bulls.
Offseason Developments
The news regarding Robinson follows eventful summer for the Knicks. They executed a surprising trade by acquiring Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets, marking the first trade between these two franchises in four decades.
Additionally, New York secured contract extensions for coach Thibodeau and star guard Jalen Brunson, along with re-signing free agent forward OG Anunoby to a substantial five-year, $212.5 million deal.
Consider the possibility of Shaquille O’Neal teaming up with Dirk Nowitzki on the Dallas Mavericks.…
Mediocrity ranks as the least desirable position in the NFL—and in all sports—where a team…
Aiming to recover from a disappointing defeat against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 3, the…
The esteemed British actress Dame Maggie Smith, renowned for her memorable performances in the Harry…
The upcoming film Killer Heat on Prime Video brings Shailene Woodley and Joseph Gordon-Levitt back…
The mayor of Philadelphia has shared the details of the recently negotiated agreement with the…
This website uses cookies.