Knicks Need Mitchell Robinson Resolution

The New York Knicks could use some clarity with Mitchell Robinson in order to remedy their lack of center depth.
Apr 30, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) handles the ball against New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) during overtime in game 5 of the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Apr 30, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) handles the ball against New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) during overtime in game 5 of the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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The New York Knicks are in desperate need of some depth at the center position.

They have been in that position all season long, but with Karl-Anthony Towns dealing with a thumb injury, the Knicks need some insurance, and they have that in Mitchell Robinson, but he is still nursing an ankle injury that stems from last year's playoff run.

With the trade deadline fast approaching, the Knicks either need Robinson or a trade to replace his production.

"If the Knicks could trust Robinson to stay healthy, he'd be a great curveball for their rotation as an elite backup center and occasional front-court partner to Towns in the right matchups," CBS Sports analyst Sam Quinn writes.

"The stakes are just too high to hope he can remain on the court this season. This is New York's best title shot in 30 years. If Robinson isn't healthy, the Knicks have to move him for someone that is."

Even if Robinson is able to go soon, the Knicks won't rush him into things. He won't be playing the heavy minutes that coach Tom Thibodeau would want from him, so the Knicks either have to get him ready for that or accept the fact that it just won't happen for them.

The Knicks have invested a lot in Robinson, especially considering he is the longest-tenured member of the team by a few years since drafting him in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft. However, in order for the aggressive moves the team made in the past year for OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Towns to count for something, they have to keep that same train of thought.

The Knicks are back in action on Monday as they take on the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.