It could be a brand new 12 months, however New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau continues to reply comparable questions on the subject of the middle’s destiny and impending return. Mitchell Robinson.
Robinson, the crew’s longest-tenured Knick, has but to take the ground in his seventh skilled season attributable to lingering ankle points he endured final season. Earlier than the Knicks took the ground for the primary time this calendar 12 months on Wednesday, Thibodeau provided a lightweight replace that, once more, had no timeline however left a nugget of positivity to chase.
Tom Thibodeau says he expects Mitchell Robinson to be cleared to observe ‘this month’ pic.twitter.com/BUWzTpAjmU
– Knicks Movies (@sny_knicks) January 1, 2025
“He has not been exonerated [to run] but we’re nonetheless in the identical place,” Thibodeau mentioned earlier than the Knicks confronted the Utah Jazz on New Yr’s Eve. (to SNY). “However he is doing effectively. He expects that this month he shall be cleared to coach.”
The Knicks (23-10) have taken benefit of the scenario since Robinson’s fall: Cities of Karl-Anthony labored as marketed whereas Treasured Achiuwa has continued to function a go-to possibility, regardless that he considers himself extra of an influence ahead than a real middle.
The Knicks even have veteran Jericho Sims and rookie Ariel Hukporti on the five-man roster. Amid the relative chaos, the Knicks maintained their rebounding sport fairly effectively, permitting the second-fewest video games within the Affiliation. 4 completely different gamers seem in a minimum of 5 video games, with OG Anunoby and Josh Hart becoming a member of Cities and Achiuwa.
Robinson’s destiny shall be intently monitored because the February commerce deadline approaches: Though Robinson is a novel weapon within the Knicks’ system, he could also be their most coveted and reasonable asset, now that the choice cupboard was largely gutted within the title of acquisition. Cities and Mikal Bridges throughout the offseason.
One of many NBA’s remaining conventional facilities, Robinson averaged 8.0 factors and seven.9 rebounds throughout his first six excursions.
