League sources have verified that Mitchell Robinson will not be available for the start of the New York Knicks' campaign following an off-season ankle operation. This blow hits the team hard, as they were already struggling with a lack of depth at the center spot. Robinson has had a rough run with health; following a December surgery last year that cut his appearances to 31, he dealt another injury to his ankle or foot during the first round of the playoffs against Philadelphia. Consequently, he missed the closing six games of their series against the Indiana Pacers in the second round.
The Knicks are eyeing a winter return for Robinson, likely around December or January, though the timeline remains flexible based on the 26-year-old's rehab progress. The center position has been a point of instability since Isaiah Hartenstein, the team's previous main starter, signed a lucrative $87 million three-year deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder. In an effort to shore up the frontcourt, New York re-signed Precious Achiuwa to a one-year contract worth $6 million and are looking toward Jericho Sims, now in his fourth professional year.
During a recent interview with NBA.com, coach Tom Thibodeau mentioned the possibility of utilizing Julius Randle at center to implement a small-ball strategy. Randle currently holds a player option for the 2025–2026 season valued at $30.9 million. This would be a significant tactical shift for Thibodeau, who has traditionally avoided this setup throughout his career—including his time with the Bulls and Timberwolves—preferring instead to rely on a massive physical presence to protect the rim and anchor the defense.
This injury news follows a whirlwind summer for the New York franchise. The team made waves by acquiring Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets, marking the first transaction between the two rivals in four decades. Additionally, the Knicks focused on long-term stability by extending the contracts of Tom Thibodeau and star guard Jalen Brunson, while also securing forward OG Anunoby with a substantial five-year, $212.5 million agreement.
The catalyst for Robinson's current plight can be traced back to a collision with Joel Embiid. In Game 3 of the 2024 first-round playoffs, as OG Anunoby passed to Robinson, Embiid—who had already fallen after drawing a charge—engaged in a dangerous play. He pulled Robinson's left leg, dragging him down and earning a flagrant 1 foul in the process. Robinson was visibly in agony and had to be helped to the locker room, ending his participation in the game.
Despite the setback, the 7-foot star remains optimistic, as evidenced by his recent Instagram updates. He shared a message of faith, writing, “God, I got ALOT I want to say, but I’ll just leave it to your hands. Not everything needs a reaction. Peace out,” set to music by Sean McGee. He followed this up with a photo of a supportive note that read, “You’re going to make it. God is on your side.”
While losing Robinson's defensive presence will undoubtedly be a struggle for the Knicks, it forces the team to evolve. This adversity could push them to discover new tactical strengths and become a more versatile unit, potentially laying the groundwork for a more adaptable style of play in the future.