THE The New York Knicks The Pittsburgh Cardinals are going through a troublesome frontcourt state of affairs heading into the 2024-25 NBA season. Not solely did they lately lose a prime middle, with Isaiah Hartenstein leaving for the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder in free company, however large man Mitchell Robinson reportedly is not prepared to begin the 12 months.
In line with SNY Ian BegleyRobinson’s ankle damage has saved him from being prepared to begin the 2024-25 NBA season. The present timetable for his return extends past November.
In line with the report, Robinson’s debut may are available in January. This can be a large blow for the Knicks, particularly in video games in opposition to the The Philadelphia 76erswhich employs among the finest bigs within the sport in Joel Embiid.
Throughout final 12 months’s playoff battle between the Sixers and Knicks, Robinson was contemporary off a prolonged damage layoff.
The massive man performed simply 10 video games within the closing stretch of the Knicks’ common season after coming back from a 50-plus sport absence. Robinson averaged 20 minutes as a backup in opposition to the Sixers within the first three video games of the 2024 playoff collection.
Robinson didn’t play in Recreation 4. The veteran middle returned to the court docket for Recreation 5 and suited up for 25 minutes. He was additionally on the ground within the Knicks’ Recreation 6 win over the 76ers. General, Robinson averaged three factors, eight rebounds, one steal and one block per sport in opposition to the Sixers within the first spherical.
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Sadly, Robinson solely performed 11 minutes in the course of the Knicks’ seven-game collection with the Indiana Pacers. After his playoff run ended prematurely, Robinson underwent ankle surgical procedure within the offseason.
At this level, the Knicks are attempting to be as cautious as attainable with Robinson’s ankle. In line with Begley, the crew is assured it has the “depth and flexibility” to fill the void left by Robinson all through the primary half of the common season.
Over the summer time, the Knicks re-signed former Toronto Raptors middle Valuable Achiuwa. In addition they nonetheless have Jericho Sims. Whereas veteran Julius Randle is healthier suited to play energy ahead, he may additionally give the crew one other have a look at the 5. The Knicks additionally signed second-round rookie Ariel Hukporti.
For New York, Robinson’s delayed season debut is a blow to the depth chart. Within the final 5 regular-season conferences between the Knicks and Sixers that did not characteristic Robinson, Joel Embiid has averaged 34 factors and 11 rebounds.
The Sixers and Knicks will face off for the primary time this 12 months on November 12 in an NBA Cup sport.
