Mitchell Robinson, the starting center for the New York Knicks, will be gone for several months. Robinson was originally expected to miss tonight’s game against Toronto because of inflammation in his left ankle, but the Knicks later declared that he would be sidelined for at least eight to ten weeks. The team revealed today that Robinson will now have surgery on his left ankle and will be assessed again in eight to ten weeks. The Knicks said that this week at the Hospital for Special Surgery, the procedure will be carried out.
Robinson injured the ankle in the first half of Friday’s game versus Boston. He had an X-ray and could return for five minutes in the third quarter before being pulled from the game.
The loss of Robinson is a huge blow. While Robinson is very limited offensively, the 25-year-old is a force on the glass, particularly on the offensive end, anchors the Knicks’ defense. He averaged 6.2 points. 10.3 caroms and 1.0 blocks in 29.2 minutes while shooting 59.2% from the field.
Injuries have plagued Robinson throughout his career. As the New York Post’s Mark W. Sanchez pointed out, he has managed to play 72 games only once in his six years in the NBA. He was limited to 59 appearances last season, missing two and a half weeks with a knee injury in November and then undergoing surgery on a fractured right thumb in January, which kept him out for 14 games.
Jericho Sims picked up the start at center in place of Robinson tonight. Sims, who has appeared in nine contests this season, has made 21 previous starts in his career.
Isaiah Hartenstein and Julius Randle will get action at the five, but Sims got the start.
Jalen Brunson was listed as the starting lineup for the Knicks tonight. Late in Friday’s game, Brunson sprained his ankle and hobbled off the court. On Sunday, though, he was allowed to practice and received the all-clear for the game.
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