Mitchell Robinson Injury Update: NBA Insider reveals latest status of Knicks center's ankle injury
Heading into next season, the New York Knicks will look to contend in the Eastern Conference. Just a few weeks out from training camp, disappointing news emerged regarding a key member of their rotation.
NBA insider Ian Begley reported Monday afternoon that Mitchell Robinson won't be ready for the start of the regular season. He is still recovering from ankle surgery this summer, and December is the earliest he could potentially make his return to the lineup. While this is a big blow for New York, Begley cited that the team feels it can still be competitive in his absence.
Throughout his time with the Knicks, Robinson has struggled to stay on the floor consistently. He played in 31 games during the regular season last year and missed time in both rounds of the postseason.
Robinson hurt his ankle in Round 1 against the Philadelphia 76ers but was able to return. However, that wasn't the case following Game 1 of New York's semifinal matchup with the Pacers.
Being without Robinson to start the year leaves a big hole at center for New York. With Isaiah Hartenstein signing with the OKC Thunder in free agency, the roster is thin in the frontcourt. Now they'll be without both of their top bigs from last year to kick off the 2025 campaign.
What options do the New York Knicks have at center in light of Mitchell Robinson's injury?
After losing Hartenstein in free agency, the Knicks did not prioritize the center position in the offseason. In light of this injury update, they now have minimal options in terms of replacements.
The only other true center New York has on the roster is Jericho Sims. He's shown some nice flashes over the past three years but isn't exactly a full-time center in the NBA. Sims played in 45 games last season and averaged 2.0 points and 3.3 rebounds in a limited role.
Aside from Sims, the Knicks will have to deploy small-ball options at center until Mitchell Robinson returns. Among those who will likely get a chance is Precious Achiuwa, who New York re-signed late in free agency. While he's slightly undersized at 6-foot-8, he is an athletic forward who has shown he can be physical around the rim.
Another route New York could go is having Julius Randle play center. It's not something they've done much in the past, but their current situation leaves them no choice. Having Randle at center comes with defensive questions, but would allow the Knicks to roll out some interesting wing-heavy lineups around Jalen Brunson.
Filling the void at center is going to be no small feat with this roster. After an offseason that put it in the contender conversation, New York will have its work cut out to start the season.