Knicks news: Mitchell Robinson's return gets update from Tom Thibodeau

Mitchell Robinson could soon be returning to the court, as New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said he has been cleared to practice.

Tom Thibodeau said Mitchell Robinson has progressed to being cleared for practice. He’ll be able to take contact in practice. That’s the next step to clear before for Robinson’s return to the court.

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) March 17, 2021

Robinson was initially sidelined after fracturing his hand during New York’s game against the Washington Wizards on Friday, February 12. The injury was on his fourth metacarpal in his right hand, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

ESPN Sources: Knicks center Mitchell Robinson will undergo surgery on his fractured right hand and is expected to miss four to six weeks. Robinson suffered a fracture of the fourth metacarpal on the hand on Friday night vs. Washington.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 13, 2021

The Knicks big man underwent surgery on his hand on February 16 and has since been unable to play. Tom Thibodeau’s remark that his young center has been cleared to practice and take contact is a massive step in the right direction for Mitchell Robinson’s return to the hardwood.

Robinson has been the defensive anchor for a Knicks team that is sixth in the NBA in defensive rating at 108.7. New York also relies heavily on Robinson’s rim protection, whose 8.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks contribute to the team ranking third in second chance points allowed and fourth in the league in opponent points in the paint.

Robinson has also consistently been one of the most effective finishers by percentage in the league throughout his young career. This season, he is converting on 66 percent of his shot attempts, with the vast majority of them coming from dunks and other shots directly at the rim.

The Knicks have been one of the most exciting teams in the NBA this season, and they are currently in the mix of the Eastern Conference playoffs as the eight seed. With a record hovering around .500 and breakout campaigns from Julius Randle and RJ Barrett, the return of Robinson could be the catalyst that keeps New York’s playoff dreams alive.