Mitchell Robinson is inching nearer to a return, a improvement the Knicks will monitor carefully as they navigate the challenges of the season.
The seven-foot heart, identified for his rim safety and rebounding, has but to make his season debut as he continues to recuperate from ankle surgical procedure in April. Head coach Tom Thibodeau supplied an replace earlier than the Knicks’ sport in opposition to the Washington Wizards, expressing optimism tempered with warning.
“General he’s doing very effectively. He nonetheless hasn’t been cleared to apply, in order that would be the subsequent step,” Thibodeau stated. “It is getting shut, however when it will likely be, I am undecided.”
Robinson’s restoration seems to be progressing. He just lately posted a video on social media displaying his capacity to carry out field jumps, signaling vital progress in his rehabilitation. Nonetheless, Thibodeau pressured the significance of persistence, noting that Robinson has milestones to cross earlier than he can absolutely return to basketball actions.
“He’s mild, he’s skinny and he’s labored extraordinarily laborious,” Thibodeau stated. “We need to be sure that we’re affected person and let him work his manner via.”
Robinson has but to start working at full velocity or make contact, two essential steps in his restoration. Thibodeau outlined the subsequent steps:
“I wouldn’t say he’s sprinting all out, nevertheless it’s the subsequent step after the bounce,” he stated. “Then we’ll function at full capability, and as soon as that half is over, there would be the contact section.”
The Knicks are very cautious about Robinson, who has suffered vital setbacks lately. Final season, he suffered two stress fractures in his left ankle, each requiring surgical procedure. The primary got here in a December sport in opposition to the Boston Celtics, sidelining him for months. He returned in time for the playoffs, however suffered a second stress fracture through the Knicks’ second-round collection in opposition to the Indiana Pacers.
The Knicks are feeling the absence of Robinson inside. Regardless of a powerful begin to the season, the Knicks have struggled to guard the paint persistently. With a weak on-court rotation together with Karl-Anthony Cities, Valuable Achiuwa, Jericho Sims and rookie Ariel Hukporti, Robinson’s defensive presence is sorely wanted.
Cities, acquired within the blockbuster commerce that despatched Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesota, has bolstered the offense however does not supply the identical defensive anchor as Robinson. The Knicks, now atop the Japanese Convention standings, might use Robinson’s elite rebounding and rim safety to solidify their standing as contenders.
Robinson’s capacity to dominate the glass, particularly on the offensive finish, was on full show earlier than his harm final season. He had a historic rebounding tempo earlier than dropping off and averaged eight factors, eight rebounds and two blocks per sport throughout his six-year profession.
Early projections steered Robinson might return between December and January, however current studies point out his return could not occur till February. The timing is important, because the Knicks wish to consider his match alongside Cities earlier than the Feb. 6 NBA commerce deadline.
Robinson is a frequent identify in commerce discussions, together with his $14.3 million wage making him one of many crew’s most cellular property exterior of the beginning 5. Nonetheless, his return might additionally function the improve the Knicks want with out making any further strikes.
As Robinson inches nearer to a return, the Knicks face a balancing act: making certain their prized defender is absolutely wholesome whereas additionally evaluating how he suits right into a revamped roster. Whether or not Robinson turns into a key piece in a playoff marketing campaign or a possible commerce asset, his presence (or lack thereof) may have a major impression on the crew’s trajectory.
