by The New York Knicks have a new center in Karl-Anthony Towns, and there are a number of reasons why the team pulled the trigger on a blockbuster trade.
One of the hidden reasons behind the deal may have been the status of Mitchell Robinson, who isn’t expected to be ready for action until December or January, but ESPN insider Brian Windhorst says he may be out longer.
“The Knicks’ problems started in the middle, particularly their lack of a starter. New York has built a wall around the extent of starter Mitchell Robinson’s foot problems – the Leon Rose administration is good at keeping secrets, which the Knicks don’t have any leverage in these trade talks,” Windhorst writes. “But internally, New York plans for Robinson to be out for at least three more months. Will it be more? Hopefully not, but no one knows for sure. Isaiah Hartenstein, who served as Robinson’s backup for the past two seasons and started 49 games.” During his absence last season, he left on a free agent, leaving New York dangerously thin – and short – up front.”
Robinson, 26, has spent more time on the sidelines than on the court lately. The seventh-year center missed 23 games in 2022-23 and was out 51 games last season. He returned just before the playoffs, but he re-injured his ankle in the postseason against the Philadelphia 76ers and required further surgery.
The Knicks value Robinson and see him as an important part of the team. That’s why they don’t want him to come back until he’s 100 percent healthy. Adding Towns allows Robinson to fully heal from his injury without any pressure to return sooner than necessary.
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