Knicks Focus on Keeping Mitchell Robinson Healthy
It feels like they’re wrapping him in bubble wrap.
The Knicks are taking every measure to ensure that Mitchell Robinson stays healthy, which is why he has been absent for much of the preseason.
This trend continued during the exhibition game against the Hornets on Friday night, where the Knicks secured a 113-108 victory, but Robinson didn’t play.
Load management has become increasingly common in the NBA, and under new coach Mike Brown, the Knicks are expected to adopt this approach more than they did with former coach Tom Thibodeau.
“Whether it’s a regular season game or a playoff game, my understanding is that Mitch will be on the court,” Brown mentioned.
Brown stated that the team’s performance head, Casey Smith, advised them to limit Robinson’s usage, considering he’s a 7-foot-1 player known for his defensive skills and offensive rebounding.
When asked about specific plans for the regular season regarding Robinson’s playing time and game count, Brown admitted he wasn’t yet informed.
“It’s our performance group, led by Casey, and they are really meticulous with the details,” he said, explaining the rationale behind this strategy.
Robinson sat out Monday’s exhibition and only played 13 minutes in a previous outing. He has recently returned to practice, but the Knicks insist this is part of their strategy.
Last season, he managed just 17 regular-season games, often being held back, especially right after his return on February 28, where they were cautious with his minutes and restricted him from back-to-back appearances.
In the playoffs, however, Robinson excelled and contributed to the Knicks reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years.
During that postseason run, he averaged 4.7 points and 7.1 rebounds, posting a NET rating of -2.7, meaning the Knicks performed better than their opponents with him on the court.
Injuries aren’t new to Robinson; he’s averaged just 48.1 games a season over seven years. So, it’s reasonable that the Knicks are intent on protecting him.
Robinson has been a starter in the three preseason games he’s played, and Brown plans to team him with Karl-Anthony Towns, potentially in the starting lineup.
Browns appreciates the combo because it allows for positional flexibility with Towns, complicating defensive strategies for opponents who face him as the starting center. Starting Towns at the No. 4 position also adds length to the Knicks’ roster.
“Playing alongside two big players is something I find exciting,” the 27-year-old Robinson said recently. “I experimented with it a bit last season and had some success, so it’ll be interesting to see where this goes.”
Overall, it sounds promising. He contributed 165 minutes during last spring’s playoffs with a NET rating of plus-4.4.
Brown noted that Robinson adds a different dimension to the team, but that benefit hinges on him staying healthy. The Knicks are making every effort to ensure that happens.
