The New York Knicks are facing a formidable hurdle as they head into the new NBA season, with league sources confirming that center Mitchell Robinson will not be available at the start due to an ankle surgery he underwent during the offseason. This sets off alarm bells for a team already grappling with significant positional depth issues at center. Robinson’s injury history complicates matters further: he already endured setbacks last season, competing in only 31 games and subsequently missing vital playoff matches last year due to another foot/ankle issue. The Knicks hope to see him back on the court by December or January, but this timeline heavily relies on how well he responds to rehabilitation.
Robinson’s absence is compounded by the departure of Isaiah Hartenstein, who signed a hefty three-year, $87 million contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder this summer. This leaves New York in a precarious position, as their frontline depth has seemingly evaporated. The Knicks recently secured a one-year, $6 million deal for Precious Achiuwa and still employ Jericho Sims, but the team is left to wonder whether these players can step up to assume the responsibilities traditionally held by a starting center.
Head coach Tom Thibodeau hinted at a possible shift in strategy, contemplating a small-ball approach that could see forward Julius Randle, who holds a substantial $30.9 million player option for the 2025-26 season, adapting to the center position. Thibodeau’s historical coaching philosophy, however, typically relies on size and defensive stability, rather than the fluidity modern basketball often demands. This notable adjustment, if pursued, could either serve as an innovative tactical shift or expose the team’s weaknesses in rim protection and inside scoring.
This timing coincides with a busier-than-usual offseason for the Knicks. Among the highlights, they managed to engineer a surprising trade to acquire Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets, marking a remarkable milestone as the first trade between these two franchises in four decades. These roster adjustments have redefined expectations for the Knicks heading into the new season, but the success of this overhaul is now closely tethered to how effectively they can cope with Robinson’s absence.
As the Knicks step toward the regular season, the significant loss of Mitchell Robinson amplifies concerns about their frontline depth and overall defensive capability. The uncertainty surrounding his recovery and subsequent return puts the team in a precarious position, requiring immediate attention to both lineup adjustments and player performances. While recent offseason acquisitions offer some hope, the Knicks must now evaluate their strategy and readiness to begin the season with so many moving parts. How they navigate through these challenges may ultimately define their trajectory in the upcoming campaign.
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