Mitchell Robinson is inching closer to a return, a development the Knicks will be watching closely as they navigate the challenges of the season.
The seven-foot center, known for his rim protection and rebounding, has yet to make his season debut as he continues rehabbing from ankle surgery in April. Head coach Tom Thibodeau provided an update before the Knicks’ matchup against the Washington Wizards, expressing optimism tempered with caution.
“Overall, he’s doing very well. He still hasn’t been cleared for practice, so that’ll be the next step,” Thibodeau said. “He’s getting closer to that, but when that is, I’m not quite sure.”
Robinson’s recovery appears to be progressing. He recently posted a video on social media showcasing his ability to perform box jumps, signaling significant strides in his rehabilitation. However, Thibodeau emphasized the importance of patience, noting that Robinson has benchmarks to clear before he can return to full basketball activities.
“He’s light, he’s lean, and he’s worked extremely hard,” Thibodeau said. “We want to make sure we’re patient and let him work his way through it.”
Robinson hasn’t yet started full-speed running or taking contact—two critical milestones in his recovery. Thibodeau outlined the steps ahead:
“I wouldn’t say he’s all-out sprinting, but it’s the next step after jumping,” he said. “Then it’ll be full-speed running, and once we get through that part, there will be the contact phase.”
The Knicks are being extra cautious with Robinson, who has endured significant setbacks in recent years. Last season, he suffered two stress fractures in his left ankle, both requiring surgery. The first came during a December matchup against the Boston Celtics, sidelining him for months. He returned in time for the playoffs, only to sustain a second stress fracture in the Knicks’ second-round series against the Indiana Pacers.
The Knicks feel Robinson’s absence in the interior. Despite a strong start to the season, the Knicks have struggled to protect the paint consistently. With a thin front court rotation that includes Karl-Anthony Towns, Precious Achiuwa, Jericho Sims, and rookie Ariel Hukporti, Robinson’s defensive presence is sorely needed.
Towns, acquired in the blockbuster trade that sent Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesota, has bolstered the offense but doesn’t offer the same defensive anchor Robinson provides. The Knicks, now sitting near the top of the Eastern Conference standings, could use Robinson’s elite rebounding and rim protection to solidify their status as contenders.
Robinson’s ability to dominate the glass—especially on the offensive end—was on full display before his injury last season. He was on a historic rebounding pace before going down and has averaged eight points, eight rebounds, and two blocks per game over his six-year career.
Initial projections suggested Robinson could return between December and January, but recent reports indicate his comeback may not happen until February. The timing is critical, as the Knicks would like to evaluate his fit alongside Towns before the Feb. 6 NBA Trade Deadline.
Robinson has been a frequent name in trade discussions, with his $14.3 million salary making him one of the team’s most movable assets outside the starting five. However, his return could also serve as the upgrade the Knicks need without making additional moves.
As Robinson inches closer to a return, the Knicks face a balancing act: ensuring their prized defender is fully healthy while assessing how he fits into a reshaped roster. Whether Robinson becomes a key piece in a playoff push or a potential trade asset, his presence—or absence—will significantly impact the team’s trajectory.