The New York Knicks finally received a dose of good news on the injury front. Starting center Mitchell Robinson has returned to full team practice and could make his season debut soon, The Athletic’s James Edwards III reported Thursday ahead of Friday’s game in Chicago against the Bulls.
Robinson has missed the start of the season while managing a left ankle injury that limited him to just two preseason games. SNY’s Ian Begley added that the Knicks brought Robinson on their current road trip “with the thought that he could play.”
The 27-year-old big man’s return could not come at a better time for the Knicks, who have dropped two straight games — 115-107 in Miami and 121-111 in Milwaukee — following a 2-0 start.
Knicks Struggle Without Defensive Anchor
New York’s defense has looked vulnerable without Robinson patrolling the paint. Against the Bucks, two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo carved through the Knicks’ interior for 37 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and two blocks, exposing the lack of rim protection that has been Robinson’s specialty.
Robinson’s presence is expected to immediately bolster the Knicks’ rebounding and interior defense. His return is also a much-needed morale boost for a team still adjusting to a coaching change that raised eyebrows across the league.
New Era Under Mike Brown Brings Change
The Knicks’ decision to replace Tom Thibodeau — who guided them to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years and delivered back-to-back 50-win seasons — with Mike Brown came with major expectations.
Brown has installed a faster, more dynamic system that emphasizes pace, spacing, and quick decision-making — a departure from Thibodeau’s isolation-heavy approach.
“We’re going up and down the court, putting in a lot of new things that I’ve never seen before, so it’s a process,” Robinson said in the training camp of adjusting to the new scheme.
While Brown’s offense prioritizes versatility, Robinson’s elite rebounding and rim protection remain essential to the Knicks’ identity. His ability to anchor the defense while adapting to Brown’s pace-driven style will likely determine how quickly New York stabilizes its season.
Health and Contract Loom Over Robinson’s Future
Injuries have been a recurring obstacle for Robinson. He played just 48 games over the past two seasons, missing significant time with a fractured foot that required surgery. Last season, he returned late in the year to average 5.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 17 regular-season games before contributing solid minutes in the playoffs.
The Knicks are hopeful this latest setback won’t linger. However, with Robinson in the final year of his four-year, $60 million contract, his long-term future in New York is uncertain.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Knicks have opened extension talks with Robinson’s camp but “remain far apart” in negotiations. The 7-foot center is earning $13 million this season, which declines to an expiring $12.9 million salary, giving him unrestricted free agency potential next summer if no extension is reached.
ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks noted the Knicks have until June 30 to strike a new deal. With the organization facing tight second-apron cap restrictions, Robinson’s future could be a key pivot point in shaping the roster around Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges.
Knicks Hope for Timely Boost
Robinson, represented by Thad Foucher and Joe Smith of Wasserman, could play as early as this weekend if his conditioning checks out. His return would help shore up the Knicks’ defense before they return to New York for a seven-game homestand.
The Knicks are hoping that the return of their longest-tenured player marks the start of a turnaround — and not another injury-riddled chapter in their quest to remain among the Eastern Conference’s elite.
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