Heading into next season, the New York Knicks aim to contend in the Eastern Conference. However, disappointing news has emerged just a few weeks before training camp regarding one of their key players. NBA insider Ian Begley reported that Mitchell Robinson’s injury, the Knicks’ starting center, won’t be ready for the start of the regular season. Robinson is still recovering from ankle surgery he underwent this summer, and the earliest he could potentially return to the lineup is December. His absence will create a significant gap in the Knicks’ defense, as Robinson is a key rim protector and rebounder, making his recovery timeline critical for the team’s early-season performance.
This development is a significant setback for the Knicks, but Begley noted that the team remains confident in its ability to stay competitive without Robinson, despite the blow to their frontcourt. Career has been marred by Mitchell Robinson’s injury issues, and his inability to stay on the court consistently has been a source of concern for the team. Last season, he appeared in only 31 regular-season games and missed time in both playoff rounds. His injury problems are nothing new, and they have come at crucial moments for the team.
SNY sources: Knicks center Mitchell Robinson will not be ready for the start of the regular season. Depending on rehab process, December/January is a target for Robinson’s return, per sources. Robinson is recovering from offseason ankle surgery. Knicks and Robinson do not want to…— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) September 23, 2024
During the Knicks’ first-round playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers last season, Robinson injured his ankle but managed to return to action. However, after Game 1 of the Knicks’ semifinal matchup against the Indiana Pacers, re-aggravated the Mitchell Robinson’s injury and was unable to return. His absence was a significant factor in the Knicks’ elimination, and now his delayed return casts a shadow over the start of the 2025 campaign.
With Robinson set to miss the start of the season, the New York Knicks, find themselves with a major void at the center position. Compounding the problem, Isaiah Hartenstein, who served as the Knicks’ backup center last season, signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder during free agency. This leaves the team without both of its top big men from last year, a critical concern as they prepare for the 2025 season.
New York did not prioritize the center position during the offseason, and now the options to replace Robinson are limited. Jericho Sims is the only true center remaining on the roster. Sims has shown promise over the past three seasons but has not established himself as a full-time starter in the NBA. Last year, he played in 45 games, averaging 2.0 points and 3.3 rebounds in a limited role. While Sims has potential, it remains to be seen whether he can handle the increased responsibility of filling Robinson’s shoes as the starting center.
In addition to Sims, the Knicks will have to rely on small-ball lineups to compensate for Robinson’s absence. One option is Precious Achiuwa, whom the Knicks re-signed late in free agency. Though undersized at 6-foot-8 for the center position, Achiuwa is an athletic forward who has shown he can be physical in the paint. Achiuwa’s versatility may prove useful as the Knicks seek creative ways to fill the gap at center until Robinson returns.
Another possibility for the Knicks is moving Julius Randle to the center spot, something they haven’t done much in the past. While Randle is typically deployed at power forward, the team’s current situation might force them to experiment with this alignment. Playing Randle at center would create mismatches on offense, allowing the Knicks to roll out wing-heavy lineups around star point guard Jalen Brunson. However, such a move would raise questions about the team’s defense, as Randle’s defensive capabilities at center are unproven.
Filling the void at center will not be an easy task for the Knicks. After an offseason that had placed them in the conversation as potential contenders in the Eastern Conference, the loss of Robinson has significantly complicated their plans. The team will have to adapt quickly and rely on a combination of Sims, Achiuwa, and possibly Randle to cover the center position.
Robinson’s return, which could happen in December, will be critical to the Knicks’ success as the season progresses. In the meantime, New York must find a way to maintain its competitiveness in a deep and challenging Eastern Conference. The team’s ability to navigate the early part of the season without Robinson will be a key test of their resilience and depth. Whether the Knicks can hold their own until Robinson is back on the court remains to be seen, but they are certainly facing an uphill battle as the season approaches.
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