Alright, Knicks fans, buckle up because we’ve got some juicy updates and a few curveballs coming your way!
Mitchell Robinson’s Tough Break
So, Mitchell Robinson, our towering 7-footer, is gonna miss the start of the 2024-25 season. Yep, you heard that right. After offseason ankle surgery, he’s sidelined for now. Last season, he played 31 games and then had to get surgery in December. And just when we thought he was bouncing back, he got hit with another foot/ankle injury during the playoffs against the Sixers. Talk about bad luck!
The Knicks are eyeing a December or January return for him, but it’s all up in the air depending on how his rehab goes. Ian Begley spilled the beans on Twitter:
SNY sources: Knicks center Mitchell Robinson will not be ready for the start of the regular season. Depending on rehab process, December/January is a target for Robinson’s return, per sources. Robinson is recovering from offseason ankle surgery. Knicks and Robinson do not want to…
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley)
Center Shortage Drama
The Knicks are in a bit of a pickle at center. Remember Isaiah Hartenstein? Yeah, he’s now with the Thunder after signing a three-year, $87 million deal. So, who’s stepping up? Well, we re-signed Precious Achiuwa for a year at $6 million, and Jericho Sims got his $2.09 million salary guaranteed for the season. But let’s be real, that’s not exactly reassuring.
Randle at the Five?
Coach Thibodeau’s got some tricks up his sleeve. He’s thinking about sliding Julius Randle to center in small-ball lineups. “We have versatility – we could see Julius more at the five. I don’t want to do that for long stretches; it would take its toll,” Thibodeau said. “But to have him do it for 10 or 15 minutes, I think he can do it well. He also would create a lot of [offensive] advantages.”
I think it’s a risky move, but hey, desperate times call for desperate measures, right? When Randle’s on the court with Anunoby, Hart, and Brunson, their offensive rating is off the charts at 131.5. Defensively, they’re rock solid too, with a rating of 71 and a net rating of +62. Not too shabby!
Offseason Moves: High Stakes
Speaking of trades, did you catch that wild Curry rumor? Anyway, the Knicks made some bold moves this offseason. The big one? Snagging Mikal Bridges from the Nets. This is the first trade between these two teams in 40 years. Can you believe that?
Plus, Thibodeau and Jalen Brunson got contract extensions, and we locked in OG Anunoby with a massive five-year, $212.5 million deal. We’re pulling out all the stops, folks!
So, what do you think? Will these changes propel the Knicks to new heights, or are we in for another rollercoaster season? Drop your thoughts below!
