The New York Knicks are facing a tough blow as they announced on Monday that center Mitchell Robinson will undergo surgery on his left ankle. The 25-year-old player is expected to miss 8-10 weeks in recovery from the surgery.
Robinson, known for his defensive prowess, has been a key player for the Knicks despite averaging a career-low 6.2 points per game this season. However, he’s compensated for this with a career-high 10.3 rebounds per game. His defensive skills have been evident throughout his six-year career, with Robinson ranking within the top-20 in defensive rating three times. Currently, he sits at 17th in defensive win shares for the season.
The injury occurred during the Knicks’ recent 133-123 loss to the Boston Celtics, with Robinson initially hurting himself in the first half. Although X-rays initially showed no serious damage, Robinson was unable to continue playing in the fourth quarter. Despite downplaying the injury initially, further evaluation led to the decision for surgery.
The absence of Robinson will undoubtedly be felt by the Knicks as they navigate through the remainder of the season. His defensive presence and rebounding abilities have been invaluable for the team’s success.
