The Knicks could be getting a big boost when they return from the All-Star break.
Mitchell Robinson, who has been out since with Dec. 8 when he suffered a stress fracture in his left ankle against the Celtics, is inching closer to a return to the court and that could come in a few weeks.
“Doing better and better. Progressing,” coach Tom Thibodeau said before Tuesday’s game against teh Grizzlies. “Probably right after the All-Star break he’ll start to do activities on the court. We’re pleased with how he’s coming along. It’s a positive.”
The update on the Knicks center is a huge positive considering there was a time where the team didn’t know if he’ll be back this season, to the point that they applied for a Disabled Per Exception to alleviate some of the cap restraints to use for potential trades.
The NBA denied the Knicks’ application as SNY’s Ian Begley reported that league doctors didn’t find sufficient evidence to suggest Robinson might be out for six months.
“It’s limited. We have to go step-by-step we have to go through the protocol,” Thibodeau added. “You have to trust your medical and your player. We’re not going to put him in harm’s way. We’re going to make sure he’s completely healthy before he gets out there.”
In 21 games, Robinson is averaging 6.2 points and 10.3 rebounds per game.
The Knicks are set to return from the All-Star break on Feb. 22.