The New York Knicks released some positive news when they announced that rookie Mitchell Robinson has progressed with his rehab. The center is out for at least one more week with an ankle injury, but he's out of his immobilization boot and into an ankle brace:

The 7-foot-1 Florida native has been a pleasant surprise for the Knicks so far. Taken 36th overall in June's draft, Robinson has exceeded expectations for a second-round pick in his rookie season.

Through 28 games, Robinson has posted averages of 4.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks, to go along with an excellent 62 percent shooting from the field.

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While the numbers might not blow anyone away, Robinson is already a solid defender and could develop to be a future piece for the rebuilding Knicks.

New York has struggled so far, posting a 9-25 record that has them among the cellar dwellers of the Eastern Conference. The Knicks have also lost five out of their last six. They lost games to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, and Phoenix Suns, three teams that are among the worst in the league. The Suns and Hawks losses came at Madison Square, adding salt to the wound.

While the Knicks' goal this season was not to make the playoffs, dropping games like these are demoralizing to the team. They will continue to focus on nurturing rookies like Mitchell Robinson and Kevin Knox and hope there are brighter days ahead in future seasons.