New York Knicks backup center Mitchell Robinson has not played in an NBA game this season. The ex-Western Kentucky star always had a knack for being a top rebounder and defender at the rim. However, the seven-footer has struggled to stay healthy. He had offseason foot surgery that has caused him to miss most of this year. Finally, Robinson will make his return.
Mitchell Robinson Speaks Out On Coming Return
Head coach Tom Thibodeau announced Robinson’s clearance for contact practice earlier this month, per Ian Beagley. Although his career has been injury-plagued, Robinson, who is only 26, has plenty of postseason experience. The center is the longest-tenured Knick on the current roster, having spent six seasons with the team.
Per James Edwards III of The Athletic, Robinson updated his condition. He said, “I’m just taking it day by day the best I can; I’m just trying to be 100 percent.” As soon as Robinson returns, it will be a big help to Karl-Anthony Towns, who’s been New York’s X-factor all season.
The team has struggled on defense this season. Despite their record, they are 21st in defensive rating at 114.2. It isn’t easy to win championships without a top-10 defense. Although Robinson is not guaranteed to remain healthy, his presence can alleviate some pressure on the team. Having him back can help the team rebound and protect the rim, taking pressure off Towns on the defensive front.
Mitchell Robinson Will Return Soon
The wait for Robinson’s return seems to be ending. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the big man will finally play either Friday against the Memphis Grizzlies or Sunday against the Miami Heat. This news is huge for New York, considering they recently lost to the two top teams in the Eastern Conference.
Robinson’s presence can give Brunson and Towns protection at the rim when they are vulnerable to mismatches. Considering the center’s injury history, Thibodeau will place him on a minutes restriction to lower his re-injury risk. Still, Robinson in the lineup gives Thibodeau leverage with the rotation, defense, and managing minutes with players.
The big man will give New York an edge in rebounding, especially on the offensive side of the ball. He’s also a freak athlete who dominates the glass and hustles for loose balls. Any Knick fan knows that defense is a concern for the team, and with Robinson back, he can fix many of the team’s defensive woes. Thibodeau is notorious for his teams’ tenacity on defense, which is what New York is missing. Although the roster shifts a lot to fit the offense, defense wins championships.
Robinson’s Return Is Urgent
Robinson’s return to the team is crucial, given that center Ariel Hukporti will miss four to six weeks with a torn meniscus in his left knee. Hukporti got hurt in Wednesday night’s victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. New York was already without Towns due to a knee issue. Being already thin at the frontcourt, it is key for Robinson to be available for New York.
Injuries happen; it’s part of sports. However, New York must be at full strength to compete in the East and for a championship. Their latest losses to the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers have exposed them against the NBA’s elites. They have yet to beat the league’s top three teams, going 0-7 against Boston, Cleveland, and Oklahoma City. But getting Robinson back is a huge step forward for the team.
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