The New York Knicks’ frontcourt depth is already compromised ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season, as Mitchell Robinson is expected to miss the first few weeks, according to SNY’s Ian Begley.
Mitchell Robinson just had ankle surgery this offseason and is working hard to make it to 100 percent fitness. According to Begley, the New York Knicks don’t want to rush the 26-year-old center in his rehab process, and they’re “confident” with the team’s depth and versatility to compete while Robinson is sidelined.
Robinson, expected to return around December or January, only made 31 regular season appearances (21 starts) in 2023-24, averaging 5.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game on 57.5 percent shooting from the field.
Earlier this offseason, the New York Knicks lost Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency since they didn’t have enough money to pay him after re-signing OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson and trading for Mikal Bridges.
Since Robinson is out, Julius Randle, Precious Achiuwa, Marcus Morris Sr., and Jericho Sims will share minutes at the center. Josh Hart and OG Anunoby will continue to log heavy minutes at the frontcourt.
New York Knicks get good news from Julius Randle
SNY’s Ian Begley added in his mailbag article that Julius Randle’s rehab is going very well this summer, and his best-case scenario is to be fully cleared for the start of training camp.
Randle’s 2023-24 campaign was cut short because he needed season-ending surgery in April to fix his injured shoulder. The three-time NBA All-Star played 46 regular season games last term, averaging 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per night on 47.2 percent shooting from the field.
The 2024-25 campaign is huge for Julius Randle since he will play for a new extension. The 29-year-old will make roughly $29 million next season and has a $30.9 player option he can trigger next summer.
