New York Knicks Coach Tom Thibodeau shared some positive news in practice Wednesday, telling reporters that the big man Mitchell Robinson was a full participant in training. This is a major development for the Knicks after it was announced in December that he be away for the season while he was undergoing ankle surgery.
Thibodeau too suggested that when Robinson returns, which now seems sooner rather than later, he could come off the bench. This move would set him apart from being New York’s starting center for the past two seasons, but given his injury history, it makes sense to get him back into things and give him a workload lighter. But whether he comes off the bench or starts, it’s hard to see this as anything other than a huge beacon for the Knicks as they prepare for the playoffs.
When healthy, Robinson is an excellent rim protector. He held the Knicks defense together over the past two seasons when their perimeter defense was lacking. Before his injury this season, he led the NBA in offensive rebounds (5.3), which remains at the top of the championship even if he has not played since December.
Getting Robinson back does wonders for New York’s depth, which is still without Julius Randle And OG Anunoby. Although there were concerns about how the Knicks would fare without Robinson in the paint this season, his replacement, Isaiah Hartenstein has done a solid job grabbing rebounds, protecting the rim and being efficient at scoring when he shoots the ball.
The midseason trade that brought Anunoby to New York also added upside Precious Achiuwa, which gives the Knicks another big body to add to the roster. With Robinson back in the rotation for the near future – and hopefully Randle returning in the near future as well – the Knicks will have a very strong frontcourt rotation consisting of Harteinstein, Randle, Robinson and Achiuwa.
We’ll have to see when Robinson is fully cleared to return to the game, but this update is a huge step in getting him closer to that goal much sooner than initially anticipated.
