New York Knicks middle Mitchell Robinson will miss the start of the 2024-25 common season after offseason ankle surgical procedure, league sources confirmed to SNY’s Ian Begley on Monday.
Robinson, 26, appeared in 31 video games (21 begins) final season and underwent ankle surgical procedure in December. Nevertheless, he additionally suffered a foot/ankle damage throughout New York’s first-round playoff sequence towards the Philadelphia 76ers.
The 7-footer additionally missed the ultimate six video games of the second-round sequence towards the Indiana Pacers. The Knicks are concentrating on Robinson to return in December or January, although, the timing will rely on his rehabilitation course of.
SNY sources: Knicks middle Mitchell Robinson won’t be prepared for the beginning of the common season. Relying on rehab course of, December/January is a goal for Robinson’s return, per sources. Robinson is recovering from offseason ankle surgical procedure. Knicks and Robinson don’t need to…
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) September 23, 2024
In New York’s 95-89 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Nov. 1, 2023, Robinson recorded six factors, a season-high 16 rebounds, and two blocks in 32 minutes as a starter.
The Knicks are already restricted at middle after final season’s main starter, Isaiah Hartenstein, signed a three-year, $87 million cope with the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder.
New York Knicks ahead Julius Randle may play middle in small-ball lineup with Mitchell Robinson out
Through the offseason, New York additionally re-signed middle/ahead Valuable Achiuwa to a one-year, $6 million deal over the summer season. The crew assured fourth-year middle Jericho Sims’ $2.09 million wage for 2024-25 season as effectively.
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau mentioned in an interview with NBA.com final week that he additionally sees conditions the place ahead Julius Randle, who has a $30.9 million participant possibility for 2025-26, may play middle within the lineup.
“We’ve got versatility – we may see Julius extra on the 5. I don’t need to try this for lengthy stretches; it might take its toll,” Thibodeau mentioned. “However to have him do it for 10 or quarter-hour, I believe he can do it effectively. He additionally would create a whole lot of [offensive] benefits.”
In line with NBA.com’s lineup evaluation, when Randle shares the court docket with Anunoby, Hart, and Brunson, their offensive ranking is 131.5. Their presence helped produce a defensive ranking of 71 and a web ranking of +62.
Nonetheless, final season’s statistics included Hartenstein within the lineup.
The Knicks made different fascinating strikes this offseason. The most important improve was the acquisition of Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets, marking the primary commerce between the 2 franchises in 40 years.
New York additionally signed Thibodeau and All-Star guard Jalen Brunson to contract extensions and re-signed free agent ahead OG Anunoby to a five-year, $212.5 million deal.
