New York Knicks Center Mitchell Robinson is inching closer to a return to the hardwood. He suffered an ankle injury in May 2024 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Indiana Pacers. He can suit up as early as tomorrow evening on the road against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Robinson is one of the best defenders and offensive rebounders in the NBA. He will give the New York Knicks a jolt in both departments once he returns and can get into the swing of things. Robinson tied for the league lead with 4.6 offensive rebounds per game last season. Will his return to the hardwood lead to success for the New York Knicks?
New York Knicks Season Summary
New York's Mitchell Robinson has been upgraded to questionable to play and will make his Knicks season debut as early as Friday against the Memphis Grizzlies, league sources tell ESPN. Robinson plans to return during team's trip in Memphis and Miami on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/ydOFKJWxga
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 27, 2025
New York has been a good team this season. They are 38-20 and the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. Their offense has been strong this season. They are fifth in points scored, third in field goal percentage, and sixth in three-point percentage.
The team’s defense has taken a step back this season, and Robinson’s absence has been one of the reasons why. The Knicks are 14th in points allowed, 25th in field goal percentage, and the worst team in the league at defending the three-point shot. Robinson’s injury has made New York a considerably worse rebounding team.
They are 24th in rebounds this season and 21st in offensive rebounds. Last season they were fifth in total rebounds and the best offensive rebounding team in the National Basketball Association. Robinson had such an impact on New York in a short time. He played only 31 games last season.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of when Robinson returns to the Knicks lineup, it will be a welcome sight for the team. The New York Knicks are a solid team but have struggled to compete against the league’s best squads. For example, the Knicks were walloped by 37 points last Friday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. New York is 0-7 against the Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, and Oklahoma City Thunder this year If the Knicks want to reach their full potential, defeating the NBA’s best teams is a must.
