The New York Knicks are preparing for Mitchell Robinson’s defensive return, hoping to leverage his rim-protecting skills after a challenging two-year period marked by injuries. Since his stress fracture in December 2023, Robinson has missed 50 games following surgery on his right ankle, with a subsequent re-injury during the postseason against the Philadelphia 76ers leading to additional downtime and a second surgical procedure.
Robinson has appeared in only 48 of the 164 regular-season games since the end of the 2022-23 season, considerably limiting his impact on the Knicks’ ambitions. As the team seeks to improve this season, analyst Chris Herring stresses the importance of Robinson’s consistent availability to the squad’s success.
The Defensive Role Mitchell Robinson Plays for the Knicks
When fit, Robinson is a vital component of head coach Mike Brown’s defensive strategies. His presence at center serves as a critical anchor, especially when offensive stars face intense defensive pressure. His shift to a starting role late in the playoffs against the Indiana Pacers underscores the trust placed in his defensive abilities.
Robinson’s effectiveness as a rim protector directly addresses the Knicks’ longstanding defensive vulnerabilities. However, his impact is contingent on maintaining durability and balancing his workload without overexertion.
Minute Management Essential to Prevent Further Injuries
Careful management of Robinson’s playing time is crucial given his injury history. Although he showed valuable contributions during the previous postseason, even at times appearing as the team’s most impactful player in the series against the Celtics, defensive struggles remained evident. Notably, the Knicks allowed a troubling 117.3 points per 100 possessions during 98 minutes when Robinson shared the floor with Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson, signaling areas that require strategic adjustments.
This defensive efficiency issue highlights the complexity faced by coach Brown in integrating Robinson effectively into the lineup. Balancing Robinson’s minutes is imperative to maximizing his defensive contributions while minimizing the risk of setbacks.
Outlook for Robinson’s Influence on the Season
With diligent conditioning and thoughtful game-time management, Mitchell Robinson has the potential to become the cornerstone of the Knicks’ defensive identity this season. His return could strengthen the team considerably, offering a more resilient defensive presence that supports the Knicks’ aspirations for a deeper playoff run.
“I think that Mitchell needs to be on the floor more consistently for this team to reach the next level.” —Chris Herring, ESPN Analyst