The New York Knicks are poised for a late-season surge as center Mitchell Robinson edges closer to a return from his ankle injury, setting the stage for a potential playoff boost.
Robinson, who has been sidelined since December with a stress fracture in his left ankle, showed promising signs earlier in the season. Despite limited appearances, the 7-footer produced some of the best stats of his career. Averaging a career-high 10.3 rebounds per game and leading the NBA with 5.3 offensive rebounds per game, Robinson’s impact in the paint was undeniable.
Mitchell Robinson’s Injury
The injury occurred during the Knicks’ clash with the Boston Celtics on Friday, Dec. 8. Although he attempted to play through the injury, Robinson was forced to exit the game in the second half. His discomfort was evident as he finished with 10 points and eight rebounds in just 19 minutes of play.
Initially slated for an 8-to-10-week evaluation post-surgery, conflicting reports arose regarding Robinson’s season-long absence. The Knicks applied for a $7.8 million Disabled Player Exception (DPE), hinting at a potential extended absence. However, Coach Tom Thibodeau maintained the original timeline, suggesting Robinson could return around the All-Star break.
Thibodeau confirmed, “Probably right after the All-Star break [Robinson will] start to do activities on the court,” aligning with the mid-December surgery and the typical recovery period.
As of March 27, ahead of the Knicks’ matchup against the Raptors, Robinson’s status has been upgraded from “out” to “questionable” on the injury report. With just over two weeks remaining in the regular season, signs point to an imminent comeback for the talented center.
The Knicks’ application for a DPE was denied, indicating the league’s belief that Robinson could make a return this season. Per NBA regulations, a DPE allows a team to acquire a replacement player for one who is unable to play due to a disabling injury or illness. The decision signifies optimism surrounding Robinson’s recovery and potential contribution down the stretch.
With playoff aspirations on the line, the Knicks eagerly await Robinson’s return, hoping to harness his energy and presence to secure a coveted postseason spot. His looming comeback adds an element of anticipation and optimism for both the team and its loyal fanbase, eager for a resurgence in the final stretch of the season.