The New York Knicks will enter the NBA season as one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference. After finishing last year as the No. 2 seed in the East, New York decided to continue adding to their roster this offseason.
They traded for star forward Mikal Bridges, giving them one of the deepest teams in the entire association. But one area that the Knicks are a little thin at is the center position.
They have Mitchell Robinson, Jericho Sims, and Precious Achiuwa on the team. New York lost starting center Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency, leaving their depth scarce at best.
Now, insider Ian Begley of SNY is reporting that Robinson may not be ready for the start of the season while he recovers from offseason ankle surgery. The report states that he may not return until December or January.
“The Knicks and Robinson don’t want to rush the rehab process and is targeting a December/January return date, per sources. Robinson and the Knicks are being cautious and want to make sure he is 100 percent healthy before he gets back. New York is confident in the depth and versatility of the roster until Robinson returns.”
SNY sources: Knicks center Mitchell Robinson will not be ready for the start of the regular season. Depending on rehab process, December/January is a target for Robinson’s return, per sources. Robinson is recovering from offseason ankle surgery. Knicks and Robinson do not want to…
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) September 23, 2024
While New York may be confident with their internal options, they may need to address the center spot with only a few weeks left until the season starts. Thankfully for the Knicks, they guaranteed the contract of Sims earlier this offseason, otherwise, they could be in some big trouble within their frontcourt.
Read more: Knicks Make Critical Decision on Contract for Big Man
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: Julius Randle #30, Jalen Brunson #11, and Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks look on in the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on January 13, 2023 in Washington, DC. Robinson may not be ready to start the regular season.
Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images
With Robinson likely out for an extended amount of time, the pressure falls on others to step up. Forward Julius Randle should be back and he can provide New York with a solid option if they want to play more small-ball style early on.
Begley reported that Randle is ahead of schedule in his own recovery and should be ready for the start of training camp. This would be massive news for the Knicks, especially with this new update about Robinson.
Whatever happens with the Knicks frontcourt, they believe they have enough. Led by star guard Jalen Brunson, New York will be looking to get to the NBA Finals for the first time since the 1998-99 season.
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For more Knicks news, make sure to head over to Newsweek Sports.
