The New York Knicks took a major blow after center Mitchell Robinson went down with a fractured hand during their 109-91 win over the Washington Wizards on Friday. According to Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic, Robinson suffered the injury after hitting his hand on Julius Randle's elbow while the 22-year old went up for a block.
This looks like the play where Mitchell Robinson fractured his right hand. Julius Randle said after the game the Knicks staff showed him video of it and that Robinson's hand hit his elbow. Robinson is holding his hand after going up to contest the shot. https://t.co/5dEqbM5j0P pic.twitter.com/zRIPYVMjFC
— Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) February 13, 2021
After New York's 18-point win, Julius Randle revealed that Mitchell Robinson is in good spirits despite being disappointed that he can't be on the floor with his team.
"He's in great spirits, extremely positive"
Julius Randle updates us on how Mitchell Robinson is feeling after his injury pic.twitter.com/tnk3k1cOgm
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) February 13, 2021
This is certainly a bummer for Robinson, considering he was having arguably his best half of the season on Friday. Before exiting the game, Mitch Rob notched 10 points, 14 rebounds, and two steals in 19 minutes.
In terms of how Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau plans to move forward with Robinson on the shelf, the defensive-minded mentor hinted on several options he could go to as they deal with the absence of their starting center. Thibs noted that Nerlens Noel and Taj Gibson will likely see a bigger workload, while he could also opt to go small with Randle and rookie Obi Toppin chipping in minutes at the five.
Via Ian Begley of SportsNet New York:
When asked about replacing Mitchell Robinson, Tom Thibodeau mentions Nerlens Noel & Taj Gibson as centers who will likely have increased roles. Says he likes what Obi Toppin has done lately & notes that Julius Randle can spend time at C & Kevin Knox can play minutes at PF.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 13, 2021
It may ultimately take a collective approach for New York to replace Robinson in the meantime. The Knicks have yet to release an official timetable for the shot-blocking specialist, who has done a marvelous job in anchoring New York's defense this season. The duration of his absence will depend on the extent of the fracture, but it will most likely take weeks until the Knicks get Robinson back on the floor. New York is set to re-evaluate the third-year big man on Saturday.
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