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Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks is greeted by his teammates as he is introduced before an NBA In-Season Tournament game against the Charlotte Hornets.
New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson is excited to return from ankle surgery that sidelined him for over 3 months. But what excites him the most about his imminent return is his new teammate, OG Anunoby.
Robinson is eager to realize the defensive potential of his frontcourt partnership with Anunoby, who led the league in steals during the 2022-23 season when he was named to the NBA’s Second Team Defensive Team.
“He is active. He’s not afraid to take a chance,” Robinson said of Anunoby, according to New York Post. “There might be one missing here or there, but that’s okay. He will have most of them.
Robinson assured his new teammate that he would always support him as the back line of the Knicks defense.
“I can make it up to him if he doesn’t understand,” Robinson said, according to the New York Post.
Robinson was the anchor of the Knicks defense in their last two playoff series, being one of the best rim protectors and best rebounders in the league. But for the first time in his six-year career, he will have one of, if not the most elite, wing defenders as his running mate.
The Knicks already had the best defense in the league when Anunoby was healthy. Bringing Robinson back into the mix has the potential to turn the Knicks into a defensive juggernaut when the playoffs roll around.
“I feel like with me and OG on the defensive side, we can get back to where we need to be — especially in that area,” Robinson said, according to Athleticism. “We’re going to have our guys who are going to score. So we will continue to work. And everything will be fine with us. »
Mitchell Robinson will leave the Knicks bench
When Robinson returns, which could be next week, coach Tom Thibodeau plans to put him back in the rotation.
“When a guy comes back from a prolonged injury or a period of absence, I think it takes a little time to get that timing back,” Thibodeau said, according to The Athletic. “It probably makes more sense with shorter minutes to (get him off the bench). We’ll see how this plays out.
Robinson has not left the bench since a November 20, 2022 loss against the Phoenix Suns when he returned from a sprained right knee last season. He recorded two points on 1 of 2 shooting, four rebounds, two blocks and a steal in 17 minutes coming off the bench. Isaiah Hartenstein begin.
Although his role off the bench only lasted one game last season, it could be longer this time, as he is on pace to have missed more than half of this season when he is allowed to return.
“He’s going to build up to that,” Thibodeau said, by Newsday.
NBA All-Defensive Team Award Must Wait
Robinson was poised to make a strong case for a spot on the All-Defensive team when he injured his ankle Dec. 8 in Boston.
“I felt like I was finally in shape to reach the peak of my career,” Robinson said, according to The Athletic. “And the next thing you know, (I) just fell and wanted to throw [expletive].”
In 21 games, the 7-foot Robinson averaged a career-high 10.3 rebounds along with 6.2 points on 59% shooting, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks. He leads the league in offensive rebounding with 5.3 per game.
The injury prevents Robinson from getting a season-ending award, as the NBA recently changed the criteria that now requires players to play at least 65 games to qualify.
Alder Almo is a basketball reporter who covers the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors for Heavy. He has over 15 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is originally from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. Learn more about Alder Almo
