Those who wanted to see New York Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson play on opening night got very bad news on Monday.
Ian Begley reported the Knicks center won’t be ready for the start of the regular season as he continues to undergo rehabilitation following offseason ankle surgery.
It will be a while before Knicks fans see Robinson again, as Begley revealed that December or January is the “target” for his return.
That means the Knicks will start 2024-25 with a very weak frontcourt.
SNY Source: Knicks center Mitchell Robinson will not be ready for the start of the regular season. According to sources, December/January is the target for Robinson’s return, depending on the rehabilitation process. Robinson is recovering from offseason ankle surgery. The Knicks and Robinson do not want…
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) September 23, 2024
The Knicks don’t want to rush Robinson because they fear he could aggravate his injury if he isn’t 100% ready to play.
Additionally, Begley said the team is “confident in the team’s depth and versatility to compete while Robinson is out.”
Sadly, Robinson is injury prone and that has put his Knicks team in trouble, especially since they lost big man Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder during free agency.
This news about Robinson means head coach Tom Thibodeau will have some decisions to make.
He can rely on a small-ball lineup with Julius Randle under center, though he too is currently undergoing rehab.
Additionally, Thibodeau could turn more toward Jericho Sims or Precious Achiuwa.
The Knicks made some impressive moves over the summer, but few fans expected them to sign any big players to fill their frontcourt holes.
Now they will play without Robinson, leaving them with very few options.
Begley claims the team is confident about the road ahead but some fans aren’t so optimistic.