Despite the blockbuster trade that sent Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to the Timberwolves for Karl-Anthony Towns, it’s clear Mitchell Robinson is feeling the weight of change. His cryptic Instagram posts, particularly the one where he mentioned being the “Longest Knick,” seem to hint at some unease.
However, it’s important to remember that Robinson has been a vital part of the Knicks’ core, and his posts showcasing his defensive impact and rebounding prowess highlight just how much he’s contributed. The fact that he commemorated his relationship with Randle shows his strong connection to his teammates and the organization.
Change can be tough, but Robinson’s dedication to the team speaks volumes. Hopefully, his role and value will continue to be recognized as the Knicks reshape their roster. The best could still be ahead for both him and the team! Keep the faith—there’s always a bright side to these transitions!
Could a Robinson trade be in the works?
The rumors surrounding Mitchell Robinson’s potential trade have raised concerns among Knicks fans, especially given his unique defensive skill set. According to Knicks Film School’s Kris Pursiainen, the team is reportedly “receiving and taking calls” on Robinson, a move that has caught many off guard. This development is surprising for a couple of reasons: Robinson’s value is not at its peak due to recurring ankle injuries between December 2023 and May 2024, and finding a suitable replacement for his defensive presence would be challenging.
Although Karl-Anthony Towns is a versatile seven-footer, his defensive capabilities pale in comparison to Robinson’s. Robinson’s ability to slow down elite players, such as former MVP Joel Embiid in last season’s playoffs, makes him a key part of the Knicks’ defense. Trading him would leave the Knicks with only one experienced center, which poses a significant risk, especially in terms of rim protection.
Robinson’s cryptic social media posts, though not new, have fueled further speculation. His previous messages like “The truth always comes out at some point” and “Stay tuned to TikTok. It’s finna go down” seem to hint at possible frustrations or changes on the horizon. While his latest posts are less alarming, they still suggest that Robinson is processing the uncertainty around his future with the Knicks.
Ultimately, trading Robinson would be a bold move, and the Knicks will need to carefully weigh the impact on their roster before making any decisions.
Robinson’s 2024-25 outlook
Mitchell Robinson is expected to miss the start of the regular season as he continues to rehab his injured left ankle, which he re-injured during a now-infamous incident where Joel Embiid bear-hugged his leg on the court. The Knicks are aiming for a cautious return, targeting December or January for Robinson to achieve full health before getting back into action.
When healthy, Robinson is a force on defense, often considered an All-Defense caliber player. He holds career averages of 7.9 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in just 24.5 minutes per game. However, his six-year career has been marred by injuries, causing him to miss 20 or more games in four of those seasons.
After the 2024 NBA Playoffs, the Knicks seemed solid at the center position, but a salary cap issue prevented them from matching Oklahoma City Thunder’s offer for Isaiah Hartenstein. This loss, combined with Robinson’s injury concerns, pushed the Knicks to pursue Karl-Anthony Towns. While Towns brings offensive versatility, Robinson’s defensive ability to guard almost anyone on the floor is irreplaceable. Trading him while injured could mean the Knicks would not receive the return value they desire.
Despite the uncertainties, team president Leon Rose has a solid track record of rebuilding the Knicks, so there’s reason to trust his decisions. As for Robinson’s cryptic social media posts, they may just be him expressing himself, as he’s done in the past, without deeper implications about his future.
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