Knicks center Mitchell Robinson will reportedly miss the remainder of the 2023/24 season following left ankle surgery. Robinson took to social media in response to the news, and he was understandably discouraged.
“I just don’t get it…I do everything I’m asked when it comes to my body and this s–t still happens like wtf. Another year another disappointment,” he wrote on Snapchat (Twitter link via New York Basketball).
Robinson has battled injuries throughout his career, including being limited to 59 games last season. Despite missing the past six contests, he still ranks second in the league in total offensive rebounds. He was averaging career highs in rebounds (10.3), offensive rebounds (5.3) and steals per game (1.5) prior to the injury.
Here are a few more notes from New York:
- When the Knicks initially ruled Robinson out for at least eight-to-10 weeks, they weren’t in a rush to find a replacement center, league sources tell Fred Katz of The Athletic. In fact, they haven’t been actively involved in trade conversations this fall, according to Katz, who wonders if that will change after applying for a disabled player exception for Robinson. Katz considers potential trade targets who could potentially fit Robinson’s role, either using the DPE or more traditional means. Some players mentioned include Andre Drummond (Bulls), Clint Capela (Hawks), Precious Achiuwa (Raptors) and Daniel Gafford (Wizards).
- Prior to Wednesday’s game in Brooklyn, center Isaiah Hartenstein was asked about the team’s rivalry with the Nets. “Is there a rivalry? I mean, I don’t feel it,” Hartenstein said, per Stefan Bondy of The New York Post. “I mean, most of the time we go to Barclays it’s mostly Knicks fans so I don’t know if it’s really a rivalry at this point.” As Hartenstein mentioned, the Knicks are far more popular than the Nets, and they currently have a better record as well (16-11 vs. 13-14), winning last night’s contest in a blowout.
- The Knicks lost a franchise-record 65 games in 2018/19 in hopes of landing the No. 1 overall pick and selecting Zion Williamson, who has missed more than half of his career games to this point with injuries. They ultimately landed the No. 3 pick and chose RJ Barrett. In a subscriber-only story for The New York Post, Bondy re-drafts the top-15 picks of 2019, with Williamson, Ja Morant and Darius Garland making up his top three, followed by Barrett and Tyler Herro.
Robinson’s “role” has been assumed by Hartenstein. He gets 30+ minutes per night. Hartenstein’ s “role” has been assumed by Taj Gibson. Whatever minutes are left go to Taj. Thibs trusts both of these guys. They ain’t gonna trade for a player who ain’t gonna play anyway.
Hartenstein is not a 34 min player. He’s a backup who can spot start. It’s a different game starting and playing 34 mins. Knicks have to add a Center. If they want to have a successful year. Not only that. But they still should be adding another talent this year. Knicks more than any team. Has to look for a major trade now. We were already looking. Now it has to get done. Mitch is a big loss.
He is handling 30+ minutes per game just fine right now. Thibs would rather juggle things with Randle at the 5, or Josh Hart. Thibs is gonna stick with his guys. Thibs did it in Chicago. He did it in Minnesota. He has done it in New York. They will add a body to replace Jericho Sims, but that body is gonna do an occasional 10-15 minutes, and many more 1-3 minute games.
NYK have a TPE from the Toppin deal in about the same amount as the DPE figures to be, so they’re not waiting on the DPE to make a move. They likely aren’t doing anything in the trade market because of the alternatives. If its only what’s set forth, hard to blame them. Capela, even if he’s available, is beyond the budget. The rest are no better than the group sitting on their couches.
Drummond can come for that Trade exception. Knicks can give them 2nd rd pick. Or I would take Wiseman for a #1 pick.
Or maybe Bulls could even package Drummond with DeRozan (or LaVine if they want him) if Knicks want to take a bigger swing for the fences
DeM and Drummond all for it. Drummond is from NY area.
At this point the Bulls see daylight. They are not going to make trades that weaken their roster, they just want to get rid of Lavine…
Knicks still have Fournier to move off the books. I see him and a package of picks going somewhere, with the possibility of another player if the deal is right.
Yep, that’s why Fournier is still here, but I can’t see a big trade materializing until closer to the deadline. The C issue, IMO, has to dealt with immediately, at least on a temporary basis.
Agreed. The longer they wait, the harder it may be.
Is there a different Andre Drummond out there I don’t know about?
That sucks for Mitch. He was great this year. I don’t think it impacts their regular season a ton because of their depth. But it definitely hurts their chances in the playoffs in my view.
Problem with the Knicks is they don’t seem like more than a 2nd round exit with an ECF appearance in a year where the bracket breaks their way. Obviously nothing to sneer at and a good place to be building from. But the goal is championships so they are still building. At least that is how I see the Knicks.
I wish my team was in that position. Raptors are a nightmare with just enough talent to piss you off lol.
The Knicks needs to trade for Goga Bitadze.. have you seen Goga Bitadze playing lately? Bitadze is the third center in Orlando rotation and he will be free agent next year and I don’t think that Orlando can afford to resign him, maybe Grimes and some second round picks for Bitadze would works for both teams.
Option 1- Kai Jones
Former 1st rounder
Free agent currently
Can sign him cheap to a 10 day look
Option 2- Chris Boucher
Raptors could be sellers could even get fancy and do a Siakam or Anunoby and Boucher trade
Option 3: swing a minor trade
Jaxson Hayes
Mo Bomba
Goga Bitadza
Luka Garza
Moses Brown
Boban Marjanovic
Mike Muscala
Option 4 – go after a pricey veteran’s
Drummond, Wiseman, Bagley, Noel, Kai Jones
Evan Fournier, Jeffries with a 1st to Detroit for Wiseman and Monte Morris. Fournier, Jeffries with a 2nd to Detroit for Bagley and Monte Morris. Jeffries and two 2nds for Drummond. Or waive Jeffries and sign Kai Jones or Noel. Develop the other Toppin at PF too. Jaylen Martin is the only 1 young guy on the team
Hart, Fournier and Jeffries with 1sts for DeRozan and Drummond. Evan Fournier, Ryan A with a pick for Monte Morris and Wiseman or Bagley. Or waive Jeffries and sign Noel or Kai Jones
I say Luka Garza then Drummond but THIBS being the little Punk ass he is.Reports are they are looking at some player in the G League They should have gone after Boogie Cousins but he won’t take THIBS BS and Johnny Bryant won’t be able to pull Boogie off THIBS from getting his assed whipped like he did Kemba Walker. I bet THIBS already called and begged Jaquin Noah to come back!!
Goga or wiseman would be best bet for NY.
Love Mitch but he’s injury prone. Time to trade him next summer.