Starting center Mitchell Robinson underwent successful surgery on Thursday to repair a right thumb fracture, the Knicks announced (via Twitter). He will miss at least three weeks, which is when he will be reevaluated.
Robinson exited Wednesday’s loss to Washington with the injury, which was initially ruled a sprain until the fracture was discovered upon further testing. The 24-year-old has dealt with a number of injuries in his five NBA seasons, including hand and foot surgeries in 2021 to repair fractures. He also missed eight games in November with a knee sprain.
It’s a tough blow for New York, as Robinson anchors the team’s 11th-ranked defense. He’s also one of the top offensive rebounders in the NBA, trailing only Steven Adams in total offensive rebounds (165) and offensive rebounding percentage (16.9%).
Through 38 games, Robinson is averaging 7.2 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 26.9 minutes per contest. Backup centers Isaiah Hartenstein and Jericho Sims will be in line for more minutes with Robinson out.
Wouldn’t be an NBA season without Mitch missing a few weeks due to injury.
Had big plans for Mitch at one time. He’s just not right physically to me, his legs lol. I’m ready to trade him.
And we could have had Duren. That’s who I wanted draft night. Sims has to step up now. This is his shot
Yeah, it sucks. He’s such a difference maker. They won’t be nearly the same without him. I expect these next three weeks to be rough. Maybe below .500
Bad news, but predictable. Mitch has been truly dominant on both the defensive end and the offensive boards. He’s been as impactful as Randle and even Brunson. Now, we’ll get to see if Hartenstein was really a good signing. The second string C’s role for us is more about when the starter is out, than just playing the backup minutes.
Sims also just looks lost defensively at times. Motor is there, dudes a physical specimen. But I see him just being in bad positions and making bad choices with fouls and not using his feet to be in proper position. We will need some good minutes from him.
Hartenstein fouls a lot. Can he even last 25 min without getting 6? Maybe Toppin can pick up some of the slack too. Especially against smaller more athletic lineups.
All legitimate points. We’ll see. The Hartenstein signing was a good one on paper. Sims has outperformed his meager draft pedigree. But neither has been close to an NBA starter or even a high minute backup. I feared from the time Hartenstein was signed, that the FO was only focused on the backup minutes, not on replacing Mitch if he went down. It’s a new role, and obviously he has to improve his foul per minute ratio, but also still provide the physicality our system demands. We’ll see.
I’m ready to move on from Mitch. He’s never going to be better than this. His mobility seems to have gotten worse. His legs are not the same. He was more athletic and mobile yrs ago. I know he played on bad ankles and knees two yrs ago. I’m tired of waiting for him to become a 32-34 min Center.
That Wiz game really pissed me off. Thibs no offense and this iso ball. Is hard to watch man.
Imo Thibs is at his peak as Knicks’ coach. I don’t think he can take us over the edge
His offense and loyalty to Randle. Is really starting to bother me man. And I’m a Thibs guy. He should hire D’Antoni as OC lol
Knicks should acquire kuzma and carey jr.
Was a bad idea to re sign Mitch he is always injured. Sims on the other hand should be developed he’s got the ability.
Immense talent, but misses at least a month every season. So unreliable. This was what the big question during the thought of re-signing him.
The guy never scores. It’s frustrating. He shoots the ball maybe eight times a game. He gets good rebound numbers and good defense but for the money he received I’d like to see him put in 12 a game consistently.
Nerlens Noel is available. Perhaps Nerlens can maybe stay healthy for the three weeks that Mitch is out?
Hartenstein needs to step up. Sims is still learning. But he will play. Sims looks like Mitch did his second yr. Big upside defensively. Sims has more offense potential.
I wouldn’t mind getting Ibaka for cheap.