The Knicks are on a tricky path to title contention.
The franchise has put together a quality roster while also maintaining flexibility and dipping its toe into superstar trade talks. It’s a tricky way to build a team, but New York’s conservative approach has largely worked.
That approach will be tested with the recent injury news for the Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson. New York’s hopes of making a splash in the postseason took a hit earlier this week when it was revealed the team applied for a Disabled Player Exception for the starting center.
The filing means the Knicks believe there’s a distinct possibility Robinson will miss the rest of the regular season. NBA doctors will determine whether the Knicks are granted the exception which -- if successful -- will be half of Robinson’s salary, or $7.8 million. The injury was originally believed to be 8-10 weeks.
New York will miss Robinson. He made an early case for a spot on one of the NBA’s two All-Defensive Teams thanks to a 7-foot-4 wingspan and wacky, waving, inflatable tube-like arms that gummed up the opposition’s offensive forays into the paint.
Robinson also proved to be a key driver to New York’s top offense thanks to his penchant for offensive rebounds. The seven-footer led the association in offensive rebound rate. His ability to dominate the glass has had a team-wide impact. The Knicks are tied for first in offensive rebound rate this season and finished second in the category last year.