Vibes were high after the New York Knicks cruised to a 121-102 win over the Nets on Wednesday, the team's first victory in Brooklyn in four years. The Knicks fans who were lucky enough to go to bed before 11 p.m. didn't have their night spoiled, while the others wound up having nightmares from Shams Charania's tweet.
Mitchell Robinson has been out for a week and a half with an ankle injury that required surgery. It was initially reported he'd be reevaluated in eight to 10 weeks, causing fans to hope the big man would return around the All-Star break. That'd give him over a month to get back in shape and prepare for a playoff run.
However, Charania reported that New York applied for a $7.8 million Disabled Player Exception because Robinson is expected to be out for the rest of the season. Ouch.
The New York Knicks have applied to the NBA for a Disabled Player Exception worth $7.8 million as the franchise projects center Mitchell Robinson will miss the rest of the season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Major development as Robinson had ankle surgery last week. pic.twitter.com/8EvjWfI9qA
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 21, 2023
Knicks center Mitchell Robinson expected to be out for rest of 2023-24 season
To apply for a DPE, a team has to believe a player will be out through June 15. Charania reported that NBA doctors will review Robinson and the Knicks' case.
It's impossible to emphasize how brutal this news is. Mitchell Robinson was a force in the 21 games he played this season, averaging 6.2 points and a career-best 10.3 rebounds per game, including a career-high 5.3 offensive boards.
Remember his impact in the Knicks' series win over the Cavaliers? If it weren't for Robinson, New York might not have made it to the second round for the first time in 10 years. That's how dominant he was. He started the 2023-24 season even stronger.
His absence has already been felt, as the Knicks' defense has taken a significant dip. Robinson's the glue who helps hold New York together. The Knicks have already signed Taj Gibson, but he won't be the only player they add to boost their frontcourt.
As for Mitch, hopefully he's able to stay in good spirits and will have a smooth recovery.