Mitchell Robinson’s Mysterious Absence from Knicks’ Games
CHICAGO — Mitchell Robinson recently opened up—sort of—about his absence from the first four games of the season. Instead of providing clarity, he posed questions about his puzzling load management strategy. “I’m not saying anything,” he remarked on Friday. This was his first statement after a three-week break, which the Knicks attributed to “left ankle injury load management.”
When pressed further, Robinson commented that sitting out the games was “part of the plan,” although he seemed unsure if this would apply throughout the entire season. “I don’t know,” he added, leaving much to be contemplated.
Robinson played in the first three preseason games but was suddenly listed as unavailable leading up to Friday’s match against the Bulls. Coach Mike Brown contended that Robinson’s absence was purely part of the load management strategy and confirmed that there was no recurrence of injuries, which raises eyebrows since one would expect to play crucial games after participating in preseason games.
The details behind the “plan” remain obscured. Dr. Brown mentioned it was directed by medical staff, and Robinson confirmed his involvement. “Of course,” he said when asked if he was part of the discussion.
It begs the question: how does he feel about this arrangement? Robinson didn’t elaborate much, but one can sense a slight tension. “It’s part of the plan,” he reiterated, but it’s clear the specifics are still up for interpretation.
It’s worth noting that Robinson had previously undergone a second ankle surgery in May 2024 and missed a significant number of games last season—around 65, to be precise. His focus now is on maintaining long-term health. Still, without the likelihood of a contract extension, he’s on track to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. This makes one wonder how the Knicks will navigate his contributions moving forward.
Robinson seemed aware of the gravity of his situation. “It’s stressful to watch,” he admitted. “I bring a lot to the table and that’s missing right now.” His role, which mostly revolves around rebounding and defense, doesn’t typically require detailed offensive plays to find his rhythm. Yet, there lingers a significant question: once he returns, how long will he be able to stay? And is his conditioning up to par for Coach Brown’s demanding system?
As he considers these unknowns, Robinson expressed his determination to improve. “[The running] I’m going to be weak at first, but I’m going to keep working and keep pushing myself,” he noted. The steps ahead seem unclear, but what remains is Robinson’s commitment to getting back into the game.
