A significant reason the New York Knicks pursued a trade for four-time All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns late in the offseason has become clearer.
The often-injured Knicks center Mitchell Robinson, who is still recovering from two ankle surgeries, is expected to be out for at least the remainder of 2024, with hopes of returning in January, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania on “First Take” with Stephen A. Smith. There had been earlier speculation that Robinson might be back by December.
“They needed a five, and a lot of that is because Mitchell Robinson – Stephen I don’t want to break your heart so early, but I’m told that he will be out the remainder of this calendar year, 2024. He will make his season debut in January,” Charania said. “He had two ankle surgeries last season. It is imperative for the Knicks, for Mitchell Robinson, for him to come back in peak form.”
“They’re hopeful he’s gonna be back,” Charania continued. “Tom Thibodeau loves Mitchell Robinson defensively, Stephen. Having him at the five, Karl-Anthony Towns at four is something, that’s something you should be focused on [seeing this season].”
The New York Knicks anticipated that Mitchell Robinson could miss time at the start of the season. Tom Thibodeau mentioned that the need for another center was “the driving force” behind the major trade for Karl-Anthony Towns.
While it’s still early, the trade appears beneficial for the Knicks. KAT practiced with the team for the first time last Thursday, where he began building chemistry with his new teammates and performed well in the first two preseason games.
The true test will come on Oct. 22 when the Knicks face Boston for opening night. Initially, it seemed Precious Achiuwa would be the starting center, with Jericho Sims as the backup. Thibodeau even mentioned using Julius Randle in small-ball lineups at the five. However, with KAT in the lineup, those concerns are alleviated.
Once Robinson returns, there’s a possibility Towns could shift to the four, but that won’t happen for a while. On Thursday morning, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Robinson will be out for the rest of the calendar year, changing earlier expectations of a return in December or January. The earliest he might return is now looking like January.
Shams Charania wasted no time dropping his first ShamsBomb on First Take. pic.twitter.com/mWfYZjvh72
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 10, 2024
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