The Knicks suffered a big blow this month, likely losing starting center Mitchell Robinson to a season-ending ankle injury he suffered in a contest against the Boston Celtics.
The 25-year-old big man was in the midst of a breakout campaign down low for New York. He was leading the league in offensive rebounds (5.3 per game) while being a dominant force on the defensive end.
In his absence Isaiah Hartenstein has been filling in admirably thus far, but now that it’s confirmed Robinson will miss significant time, the Knicks will likely need to make a move to bolster the front end.
To upgrade their depth, they’ve already added old friend Taj Gibson on a non-guaranteed one-year deal for the remainder of the season.
The 38-year-old is still working to get his legs under him, but he told reporters following Wednesday’s win over the Nets that he’s grateful for the opportunity to be back out there.
“I understand we’re playing for something,” Gibson said. “I’m just trying to help the team however I can. I’m excited to be home and wearing the jersey again. It’s a great atmosphere to be around. Knicks fans are showing me a lot of love, I don’t take it for granted.”
Gibson spent last season with the Washington Wizards following a three-year run with the Knicks. He’s continued to workout over the last few months with hopes of landing a job, and now he finds himself back in the familiar confines of Madison Square Garden.
The veteran was eased in during his first three contests, but with Jericho Sims sidelined one-to-two weeks with an ankle injury of his own, he saw 13 minutes of action in Wednesday’s win over Brooklyn.
He made his lone field goal attempt while blocking two shots and hauling in a pair of rebounds.
“I was tired, I ain’t gonna lie,” he said. “The young guys were laughing at me. It’s just tough in the beginning, especially with a tough road schedule you don’t really get to practice with the guys too much. I’m just trying to get a feel and save my legs because bodies are dropping.
“I’m just trying to be prepared, be ready when my number is called, and do all the small things. It’s a long season, things will turn, but there’s so much positivity in this room right now we’re just going to keep pushing.”