The New York Knicks are not really worried about the luxury tax or the punishments of the second apron when it comes to Mitchell Robinson. What they are worried about is whether he can stay healthy. Despite his undeniable talent as a rim protector and rebounder, Robinson’s injury history makes the Knicks hesitant to offer a big contract extension. For New York, keeping Robinson on the court itself is the real challenge.
The Knicks won’t commit to Robinson without proof he can stay on the floor
James L. Edwards III of The Athletic summed it up best: “To me, the Robinson situation has more to do with New York’s uncertainty about whether the oft-injured big man can stay healthy.” He added, “I’m just not sure the Knicks are even willing to give out a contract similar to the one Robinson is currently finishing due to the fact that he hasn’t been available for a large part of the last three seasons.”
The Knicks have been pretty busy this offseason. They finished locking up Mikal Bridges to a new four-year, $150 million extension. Earlier this offseason, they hired a new coach in Mike Brown. And they did a great job of adding depth with Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele.
With the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers facing star injuries (Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton both have Achilles injuries and are expected to miss the majority of next season), New York looks more poised than ever to make a real push in the East. But Mitchell Robinson’s availability sadly remains a massive question mark.
At 7 feet tall as a 27-year-old, he has struggled to stay on the floor. Over seven seasons, he has only played over 70 games once in his career. He only appeared in 17 games last year due to ankle surgery and other setbacks, and the year before that, he only managed to muster 31 appearances on the court.
Do not get it twisted. When healthy, Robinson’s impact is undeniable; he protects the rim, controls the boards, and changes the flow of the game. Knicks’ fans saw that first hand in last season’s playoffs when the team ran a double big lineup. But the Knicks can’t ignore the risk his injury history brings, especially as they consider future contracts.
In the end, the truth is, it is not the second apron holding the Knicks back from locking in Robinson; it is the uncertainty about his durability. Keeping him healthy will be the key to whether he remains a cornerstone for New York’s title hopes and whether he is deserving of a new deal to stick around the Big Apple.