Knicks center Mitchell Robinson will undergo surgery on his left ankle and will be reevaluated in eight-to-10 weeks, the team announced today (via Twitter). The operation will be performed this week at the Hospital for Special Surgery, according to the Knicks.
Robinson had already been ruled out of tonight’s game after injuring the ankle in the first half of Friday’s contest at Boston. He had an X-ray and was able to return for five minutes in the third quarter before being pulled from the game.
The Knicks will miss Robinson as both a defensive anchor and a presence on the boards. Through 21 games, he’s averaging career highs of 10.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals per night, along with 1.3 blocks and 6.2 points while shooting 59.2% from the field.
Robinson’s place in the starting lineup will go to Isaiah Hartenstein, who has been an effective backup, averaging 5.3 points and 5.6 rebounds in 17.6 minutes per night over 21 games. Robinson’s absence should also mean more playing time for Jericho Sims, who has only appeared in nine games but was effective when Robinson was sidelined last season.
After Robinson hurt his ankle on Friday, coach Tom Thibodeau expressed confidence in his reserve big men, according to Mark W. Sanchez of The New York Post.
“I felt all along that one of our strengths was that position,” Thibodeau said. “The way Mitch has been playing, the way Isaiah has been playing — actually, Isaiah has … deserved more [time]. But also, Jericho, we forget that he’s sitting there. And Jericho played very, very well for us last year.”
That Topin trade isn’t looking too good right now.
Yep. Looked not good at the time, looks worse now.
Well it helped Toppin though right so it’s not a bad thing
Taj Gibson enters the chat
Actually Nerlens Noel
I like the idea
Why ???? we got Donte and two 2nd rd picks. For a player Knicks were not going to resign. Obi1 has no place on Knicks. He didn’t want to be here. And he shouldn’t be here.
What are you talking about? He wanted to be with the Knicks. He’s from the area. He didn’t want to be coached by Thibs. He’s dropping 13 a game. Donte is as streaky as they come and we already had a Donte – his name is Josh Hart.
Dude you really need to get informed. This nonsense you got is getting Old. You don’t know or want the truth. You won’t search it. But you’ll be here making comments about it.
First what does Toppin have to do with Mitch missing 10wks.
Absolutely Nothing.
Second the return on that trade. You are criticizing. Was well worth it. For a guy who wasn’t getting mins.
You need me to explain this to you.
Third Obi is on record for wanting a trade. Search it !!!!!!
So all you are doing is whining. Obi has nothing to do with what’s going on with Knicks …… Obi is in a better place.
No one cares what you think of Thibs. No one cares what I think of Thibs. He’s just making the decisions. Without thinking of us. So why Whine lol.
Hopefully Sims can make the most of the extra playing time. Tons of athleticism, good rebounder.
This is Bad. We can’t replace his offensive rebounding, not for 2.5 to 3 months. But the roster was built to take a hit or two. IMO, Sims can play. Hartenstein certainly deserves to start, but he fits so well with the second unit, maybe they’ll slide the rotation so can play a bunch with them.
I don’t believe Taj Gibson is playing anywhere. It would be insurance, but we can pay him for the entire year, and over minimum. Yes, bribe him.
Lol I said the Knicks should of signed him about a month ago. He is getting paid by Washington to sit at home. He is a free agent
They should sign Taj. One yr.
I’d let him backup Randle and play some center.
Guess it wasn’t so smart to bring him back in the third quarter. Not sure why’d you risk that down by almost double digits at Boston, especially considering his injury history.
Classic Thibs
Two words: Nerlens Noel.
Capela, Claxton, Gafford?
Sims gets his chance to impress. Like they say “next man up”.
Hartenstein and Sims can hold it down for ten wks. Mitch was having a solid yr. Get well, can’t believe they put him back in gm. Now surgery. That’s a leap man.
Yes the Knicks do need a backup to Randle. Toppin was playing big in G-league (Jacob). He’s more a 3. Just play him.
Knicks have to know the offense. Stagnates at times. Then they overdo the iso ball. That’s my biggest criticism of Thibs.
I’m just waiting for a trade ……. waiting.
It’s crazy I used to disagree with this guy all the time but now he seems to be one of the few making any sense and I am liking his posts