Now comes the arduous half.
For the primary time this season, the Knicks are confronted with a major damage to a starter, Mitchell Robinson, who underwent surgical procedure Thursday to restore a fractured proper thumb, the staff introduced.
Robinson sustained the damage within the first quarter of Wednesday’s loss to the Wizards, when his hand collided with the top of Bradley Beal.
Robinson, who performed by means of the ache for a couple of minutes, shall be re-evaluated in three weeks, the Knicks introduced, though restoration from any surgical procedure is usually longer. It’s unclear why Robinson underwent surgical procedure for a fractured thumb and the Knicks didn’t disclose some other particulars.
Texts to Robinson’s agent, Thad Foucher, went unanswered.
The pure resolution to Robinson’s absence is elevating Isaiah Hartenstein to starter and shifting Jericho Sims to backup. Suddenly the choice to signal three facilities in the summertime is sensible.
However, Robinson has been irreplaceable this season. He emerged as not solely the Knicks’ prime rim protector, but in addition one of many league’s greatest rebounders and a persistent supply of additional possessions.
Through 38 appearances — all begins — the 24-year-old averaged 8.9 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and seven.2 factors on 67% taking pictures. He is second within the NBA in complete offensive rebounds with 165, behind solely Steven Adams of the Grizzlies.
Robinson can also be the staff chief in internet score.
“Mitch is really the anchor for our defense. Him going out, it’s an adjustment for sure,” RJ Barrett mentioned. “With everything, the rebounds, blocked shots, also just the factor people don’t want to go in the paint as much against him. You miss him big-time, all the offensive rebounds he gets. He’s a big part of our team.”
Hartenstein, in the meantime, has struggled to fill Robinson’s footwear whereas taking pictures a career-low 48%. Sims’ athletic rimrocking model is extra within the mildew of Robinson, however the 24-year-old is inexperienced as a 2021 second-round decide.
Coach Tom Thibodeau mentioned Wednesday night time that he’s not sure whether or not Sims or Hartenstein will begin.
“I want to think and see more, think it through in terms of what’s best for both groups [starters and reserves], what will make it function best,” Thibodeau mentioned. “Both guys have gone back and forth. We’ll get a chance to look at it deeper and make a decision.”
Robinson, who signed a four-year, $60 million contract in the summertime, has now sustained three fractured bones in his five-season profession. His fractured foot stored Robinson out for a lot of the 2020-21 season.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com