Knicks Get Devastating Injury News Ahead of 2024-25 Season

New York Knicks fans received frustrating news on Monday afternoon when ESPN reported that center Mitchell Robinson is expected to miss the start of the 2024-25 NBA regular season. Last season, Robinson missed 50 straight games after fracturing his ankle last December and re-injured himself last year in the playoffs in the Knicks' first-round series with the Philadelphia 76ers.

While he is the longest-tenured Knick, Robinson has struggled to stay healthy and suffered several injuries throughout his professional career, which is frustrating because of how well he has played when healthy. Last season, he played in 31 games, starting 21, and averaged 5.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, and shot 57.5 percent from the field.

The veteran is recovering from ankle surgery, and the Knicks do not want to rush his recovery or rehab process, which would keep him sidelined for at least two months. Knicks fans can expect No. 23 to take the floor in either December or January, which leaves New York with a weak frontcourt for the start of the season. SNY's Ian Begley reported that the team is confident in their depth and versatility to compete through the first two months.

The injury does not look good for the Knicks, who could not retain backup center Isaiah Hartenstein in the offseason. The seven-foot center signed a well-earned three-year, $87 million contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency after stepping up for the Knicks while Robinson missed a significant amount of time recovering from surgery. He will be missed by Knicks fans this season, especially with Robinson's season debut delayed.

The Knicks will now rely on backup big man Precious Achiuwa to take over at center with Robinson sidelined. Achiuwa was acquired in a deal with the Toronto Raptors last January, which included OG Anunoby, Immanuel Quickley, and RJ Barrett. Last season, Achiuwa averaged 7.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 50.1 percent shooting in 49 games. They'll also use Jericho Sims at the center position off the bench, who should see an increase in minutes.

The Knicks could also run a smaller lineup, with three-time All-Star Julius Randle playing the center position and Josh Hart playing power forward. Randle played just 46 games last year and missed the last 35 games of the regular season and all of New York's 13 playoff games. It will be crucial that he stays healthy with Robinson injured and to set the Knicks up for another deep playoff run.

The Knicks could call about a veteran center who could be on the trade block. New York has shown interest in several veteran big men this offseason, including Atlanta's Clint Capela. The Hawks general manager is former Knicks guard Landry Fields, so the connection might spark a trade between both sides. Still, the Knicks and Leon Rose must come up with a solution before the start of next season, with Robinson out until at least December.