The NBA will deny a request for a $7.8MM disabled player exception that the Knicks submitted after an injury to Mitchell Robinson, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter link). Sources tell Wojnarowski there’s optimism that Robinson can return from ankle surgery before the end of the regular season.
Robinson had surgery about four weeks ago after experiencing inflammation in his left ankle. A report indicated that he was expected to miss the remainder of the season, but he has apparently been showing progress in his recovery.
The Knicks’ decision to apply for the DPE was a case of “due diligence” by the front office, tweets Steve Popper of Newsday, who also hears that the team is hoping Robinson can return. Management was looking for another tool to potentially improve the team and hasn’t given up hope that Robinson will play again this season, adds Ian Begley of SNY.tv (Twitter link).
Disabled player exceptions are in place to help teams who lose a significant player to a long-term injury. There’s no risk for teams to seek them, but the league must determine that the player will likely be sidelined until at least June 15 for the request to be approved. DPEs allow teams to sign a replacement player for 50% of the injured player’s salary or for the amount of the non-taxpayer’s mid-level exception, whichever is lesser.
New York still has trade exceptions worth $6.8MM and $5.2MM that it can use until the February 8 trade deadline, notes Bobby Marks of ESPN (Twitter link).
The Knicks have been able to remain competitive without Robinson because Isaiah Hartenstein has done an exceptional job as his replacement. In the 11 games he has started, Hartenstein is averaging 7.7 points and 10.3 rebounds while shooting 61.8% from the field, notes Tim Bontemps of ESPN (Twitter link).
That sucks ….. if he’s out for the season. Then this should be granted. Seems simple enough. Definitely can add another center with this.
Knicks have the trade exception from OG trade. They can also use for another Center.
Maybe read the last sentence. They only grant these for players 100% out for the whole season
Robinson is still trying to come back this season
It’s simple why it wasn’t granted
Maybe you should read all the stories about this. Not just a sentence to define your thoughts. It’s been reported he’s out for the season. More than a few times.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania is reporting that the Knicks have applied for a $7.8 million Disabled Player Exception as Robinson is now being deemed done for the season.
The media was making the assumption he was done for the season because the Knicks applied for that exception. It’s a logical conclusion to make but the Knicks never announced him as being done for the season. They only ever gave the 8 to 10 week time frame. The story now seems to be that the Knicks were just doing due diligence and applying for the exception just in case, but it seems more likely than not he’ll be back before the end of the season.
No it was reported when he was hurt. He was out for the season. Then when he needed surgery. It was reported again it was for the season. I’ve still not seen anything that says he will be back. Only the same speculation that you are criticizing.
link to dailyknicks.com
Optimism is not fact. Now I don’t know what NBA is basing their decision on. But I’m assuming they think he’s coming back. Well I’ll believe it when I see it. And I’m not about rushing healing either. Getting back for playoffs. Does not mean he will be ready. So there are no facts yet.
OK, believe what you want. The Knicks announced an 8 to 10 week time frame. You can go find that online or not. I really don’t care, but that’s the only official word that came from the team. I’m not talking about the media. I’m talking about what came from the team. Again you are listening to reports from the media, who jumped the gun and assumed he was out for the season, because the Knicks applied for that exception.
Here I found this for you from the Sporting News. The Knicks never announced Robinson as being out for the season. They just gave a timeframe in which he would be reevaluated.
“On Dec. 11, the Knicks announced that Robinson would be evaluated in 8-to-10 weeks after undergoing surgery. And while Robinson will likely be evaluated in early February, an evaluation doesn’t necessarily signal an imminent return.
On Dec. 20, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that the Knicks applied for a $7.8 million Disabled Player Exception (DPE), signaling a belief within the organization that Robinson would be out for the remainder of the season.
On Dec. 22, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said that the team would not be changing from the 8-to-10-week timetable, adding that any questions regarding reports of a DPE application should be directed to Knicks team president Leon Rose”
Smells like politics… Maybe don’t call out the commissioner next time ;)
It would have been nice to have, but actually getting Mitch back in March would be nicer. The standard is only supposed to be “more likely than not”, so I’ll take this as good news that even that standard has not been met.
Agree if it’s true. Only Mitch has had plenty troubles with his legs and ankles. Hope he’s 100%. I’m ok with Sims and another center added.
Yes, Mitch is not fast rehab’er.
If it was the Celtics they would have got it
This seems like the stupidest thing in the NBA.
Grant a team money for a player that might be out for the season and depending on when you lodge your request and how the player is recovering etc decides if the league approve.
Why not grant them the money after the season is over if the player has missed the enough games for it to be considered remainder of the season.
If the player returns earlier than articulated then sweet you don’t get the money but he can help push you in the playoffs. If teams aren’t good enough for the playoffs and decide to sit the player as they want the money then you get fined for tanking anyway
Yes the owner/team dont get the money early but they get it right before FA ….
Bismack B
Biyombo a classic Thibs rim protector and hard worker. Perfect fit.
BB worth the cost of a TPE that will likely expire otherwise.
Only lakers, celtics, warriors get whatever they want.