Mitchell Robinson has been faithful to the New York Knicks since being drafted into the NBA in 2018, securing his place in the team’s roster as a valuable asset. However, the one-time NBA All-Rookie Second Team awardee has been plagued by a devastating injury this season, which is reportedly going to halt his court duties for now.
In the wake of Mitchell Robinson’s unfortunate injury, while many have anticipated status reports, the latest shocking move by the Knicks appears to provide accurate information surrounding the franchise’s next move.
Mitchell Robinson injury update
The New York Knicks’ center Mitchell Robinson, after undergoing ankle surgery recently, is expected to miss the remainder of the season, as per Shams Charania. Robinson had initially hurt his left ankle in the Knicks’ loss to the Boston Celtics a few weeks ago. Though Robinson made a return to the game briefly, in the second quarter, after initial X-rays came negative, he couldn’t feature in the fourth quarter and hasn’t played since then.
Meanwhile, last week, the Knicks publicized that Robinson underwent surgery on his ankle, which the team projected would require him to miss 8-10 weeks of recovery. This would have allowed for Robinson’s return to the court this season. But per the latest reports, certainly, Robinson won’t be playing this season anymore.
The Knicks will be missing the services of Robinson, who has been averaging a career-low 6.2 points and a team-high 10.3 rebounds per outing. The big center is also shooting just shy of 60% from the field, which is his sixth with the Knicks since his draft.
Mitchell Robinson is in the second year of his four-year contract with the Knicks, since worth $60 million. Additionally, the Knicks have secured veteran player and free agent Taj Gibson, after his Wizards’ last season stint, to try and fill Robinson’s space in the roster. However, the Knicks look good with a 16-11 record and ranking 5th in the Eastern Conference.
Knicks apply for $7.8 million under NBA DPE regulations
Following the news of center Mitchell Robinson missing the rest of the current season due to his ankle injury, the Knicks, have reportedly applied to the league for Disabled Player Exception. Shams Charania reported, “The New York Knicks have applied to the NBA for a Disabled Player Exception worth $7.8 million as the franchise projects center Mitchell Robinson will miss the rest of the season. Major development as Robinson had ankle surgery last week.”
Since it is established that Mitchell Robinson will be missing the remainder of the season, should the Knicks successfully go through the process, and secure a grant from the league to use the Disabled Player Exception, they can afford the opportunity to add depth to their team. The team would possibly be looking at reinforcing their front-court options.
Robinson’s absence would make the team look vulnerable defensively, especially in the rim area. Sadly, aside from Robinson’s absence, big man Jericho Sims is also out due to a foot injury, which could add more issues to the team’s gameplay. Nevertheless, the Knicks stars Isaiah Hartenstein and Taj Gibson, would be expected to fill in the gap left in the team and propel the team to victories.
