The New York Knicks are being cautious with center Mitchell Robinson’s recovery from foot surgery, which he underwent in May. Head coach Tom Thibodeau provided an update during the team’s media day on September 30, just before they left for training camp in Charleston, South Carolina.
“We’re going to be patient and take our time with it,” Thibodeau said, as reported by the New York Post. “I don’t want to put any sort of time frame on it. When he’s ready to go, he’s ready to go.”
This lack of a clear timetable follows a report from Fox Sports‘ Yaron Weitzman on September 23, indicating the Knicks are eyeing a return for Robinson around December or January. For now, Robinson remains in New York, continuing his rehab while the team heads to camp without him.
The Towns Trade and Robinson’s Future
The Knicks’ recent acquisition of Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves means they can afford to be more patient with Robinson’s recovery. But this blockbuster trade also raised questions about Robinson’s long-term future with the team.
Initially, Robinson was part of the trade package for Towns, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. Alongside Julius Randle, Robinson was offered to Minnesota, but the Timberwolves turned down the deal. The Knicks later added Detroit’s first-round pick and Donte DiVincenzo to the package, which sealed the deal for Towns.
With Towns now in New York, the Knicks have greater flexibility to wait for Robinson’s return or even explore other trade options to bolster their roster depth. Thibodeau hinted at potential moves, stating, “Leon [Rose] and his staff are in constant discussions with all the teams in the league about who might be available. We’re also taking calls. And then when the team wins, the value of everyone goes up.”
Robinson’s Role When He Returns
Despite Robinson’s uncertain future, Thibodeau expressed confidence in the 7-foot center’s abilities. “He’s doing well [in his recovery],” Thibodeau said, adding that the team will take things “step by step.”
Robinson, the NBA’s top offensive rebounder over the last two seasons, has been an integral part of the Knicks’ success in recent years. Thibodeau praised his elite rebounding, rim protection, and defense, skills that could help the Knicks if Robinson remains with the team.
But a big question remains: What role would Robinson play upon his return, especially now that Towns is in the lineup?
“You’re going to take it step by step,” Thibodeau reiterated when asked about the possibility of starting Robinson alongside Towns. “First thing is to get him back and see where he is.”
A potential pairing of Robinson and Towns could give the Knicks a powerful “twin tower” frontcourt. Towns, known for his shooting, could play a stretch-four role, similar to his time next to Rudy Gobert in Minnesota, while Robinson dominates the paint.
“I like the versatility he gives us,” Thibodeau said. “We won a lot of games with our rebounding last year. We know he’s elite.”
While Robinson’s future in New York is still uncertain, his recovery and the Knicks’ frontcourt situation will be closely watched in the coming months. Whether Robinson stays or becomes part of another trade package, his potential impact remains undeniable.
