The New York Knicks should expect the return of their starting center Mitchell Robinson by the end of the month, as reported by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
“[The Knicks] achieved a remarkable victory [Monday] night,” stated Windhorst during the “NBA Today” on March 19 on ESPN, “They continue to show their strength and resilience. Mitchell Robinson is expected to return by the end of the month. We’re still waiting for Julius Randle but they will improve as long as they can regain their health. They are currently in fourth place with a chance at the second spot.”
Windhorst’s update on Robinson is positive news for the Knicks, who have recently faced OG Anunoby another setback with his surgically repaired elbow and there is still no definite timeline for his return.
Robinson is currently accompanying the team on their four-game West Coast trip, concluding on Thursday, March 21, in Denver against the defending champion Nuggets. Following that, the Knicks have five more games scheduled this month.
Robinson has been absent since December 8 last year due to an ankle injury and subsequently underwent surgery.
Before his injury, Robinson was having an outstanding season, averaging a career-high 10.3 rebounds, 6.2 points on 59.2% shooting, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks. He leads the league in offensive rebounds. 5.3 per game.
Mitchell Robinson is open to coming off the bench upon his return.
Robinson will rejoin a Knicks team that has performed well even in his absence.
In their recent win over the 119-112 Golden State Warriors , the Knicks maintained a wire-to-wire lead. on March 18, improving their record to 24-18 without Robinson. They are 12-9 with Robinson this season.
Robinson recently expressed his willingness to come off the bench upon his return.
“I'd rather come off the bench. Maybe I can showcase more,” Robinson responded to an Instagram post by a Knicks fan page (@knicks_movement) featuring him as starting center alongside Randle, Anunoby, Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson.
His backup and his close friend in the team, Isaiah Hartenstein, has been averaging 9.9 rebounds, 7.8 points, 2.7 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.3 blocks while shooting 64.6% from the field in his absence.
Hartenstein’s passing skills and his ability to score in the floater range as a big man have become a dynamic part of the Knicks' offense. He has developed a pick-and-roll chemistry with Brunson.
Warriors superstar Stephen Curry acknowledged this as one of the major factors contributing to their loss against the Knicks.
“We kept Jalen pretty quiet to start but Hartenstein got three floaters or finishes in the paint and they were kind of spacing us out,” Curry told reporters when asked to analyze the 18-4 Knicks lead. “They fielded a starting lineup that gave Hartenstein the opportunity to roll. He and Brunson executed pick and roll and when [Miles] McBride was hitting shots, they had every option open and they were making them. We couldn't stop them, which led to their high scoring.”
Knicks Face an Important Decision to Make
Former Knicks star Carmelo Anthony confirmed mentioned on the “7 PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony and Kid Mero” podcast on February 22 that the Knicks were frustrated they couldn't trade Robinson due to his injury. Anthony said that is true.
Anthony then said the Knicks have a difficult decision to make during the offseason, trying to decide who to keep between Robinson and Hartenstein.
Anthony said Hartenstein needs to be paid. He also mentioned the need to make a decision about Mitchell Robinson. He pointed out the importance of paying Hartenstein, stating that New York requires his energy and he is worth the investment as good centers are hard to find nowadays.
Robinson, who will be 26 on April 1, is currently in the second year of a
$60 million, four-year contract . Hartenstein, Nic Claxton from Brooklyn, and Jonas Valanciunas from New Orleans are expected to be some of the most sought-after centers in free agency.The New York Knicks have received positive news as Mitchell Robinson is expected to return soon. Learn about the expected return date.
