Fourth-year center Mitchell Robinson will likely have to practice with restrictions when the Knicks kick off training camp on Tuesday.
Knicks president Leon Rose finally spoke to Knicks fans on Friday when he revealed that Robinson’s return from a broken foot he picked up last season was still “a work in progress.”
Robinson averaged 8.3 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in just 31 games played last season. A broken hand halted his strong early season start and then a broken foot forced him out for the rest of the year. Robinson is an unrestricted free agent in 2022 but is eligible for a contract extension from the Knicks.
New York will be wary of rushing Robinson back too soon as not to agitate his injury further. Another significant injury could hurt Robinson’s leverage in any contract discussions and would make him seem like a less valuable asset to the franchise moving forward. Therefore, heading into training camp the lingering question remains: Can Robinson stay healthy for long stretches? Or is he simply an injury-prone player?
Mitch Extension in the Works?
There is currently no agreement between the Knicks and Robinson on an extension and seems like it will be some time before there is any movement on that front. “As far as a contract goes, we love Mitchell Robinson and we look forward to seeing him play,’’ Rose said. This indicates that Robinson’s performance and ability to avoid injuries will play a significant role in the franchise’s dealings moving forward.
It is reported that the Knicks have interest in offering Robinson a contract extension but will avoid “anything crazy”, according to the NY Post. The figure being speculated is similar to the four-year, $48 million contract extension that the Boston Celtics signed fellow injury-prone center Robert Williams to this offseason.
Blockness Monster Gaining Muscle
The Knicks will not be left short-staffed at the center position with the re-signing of both Nerlens Noel and Taj Gibson, who both played significant roles last season in Robinson’s absence.
Head Coach Tom Thibodeau said he was impressed with the impact Robinson had last season before his injuries and is confident that he can come back strong. Despite not being able to play, Thibodeau said that “[Mitch] puts a lot of time into conditioning, strength and conditioning and whatever he’s allowed to do — being in the pool, weight training, form shooting, watching a lot of film.”
Thibodeau stated that they have a plan for Robinson’s return and will not rush him back as the depth provided by Noel and Gibson means they do not need to risk another injury. Thibodeau told the media that the franchise was happy with how Robinson has grown as a professional over the past few months, an area many were previously concerned with.
Stay tuned to KnicksFanTV.com for the latest Knicks news, rumors, and recaps heading into the regular season. Also, make sure to check out CP The Fanchises 2021-22 Season Preview episode with Special Guest Alan Hahn below!
