The New York Knicks were recently dealt another blow when they learned that they must proceed in the playoffs without Mitchell Robinson thanks to a stress injury in his left ankle. The Knicks must now forge ahead without three rotation pieces, one of whom (Robinson) happens to be their best offensive rebounder. This injury hurts New York's depth, which will become an even bigger issue as they attempt to keep up with and eliminate the league’s second-fastest team, the Indiana Pacers.
Is Precious Achiuwa enough for remainder of 2024 playoffs?
The Knicks' depth in the current series is their primary concern as they hope to advance beyond the Pacers in their second-round matchup. Behind Isaiah Hartenstein, New York will now turn to Precious Achiuwa, who has played well for the team when called upon. He averaged 9.9 points and 10.3 rebounds per game when he played between 30 and 39 minutes per game in the regular season, and he averaged 15.4 points and 10 rebounds per game when he played more than 40 minutes. He also played well in spot time in the first round against Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers, amassing a +17 in about 30 minutes in total.
Is Achiuwa enough to get the Knicks past the Pacers? We’ll see. Jericho Sims can also help, but we can't expect too much from him. Sims has not played a single minute this postseason. So, rust and nerves would probably be an issue.
Ultimately, Robinson’s role in the second round looked less clear even before the injury than it was against the 76ers. Robinson was absolutely necessary in combatting Embiid, but the Pacers play very differently. Too much Robinson could have hurt the Knicks in their ability to get up and down the floor, especially given how immobile he looked since aggravating his ankle in Game 3 against Philadelphia.
Regardless, it looks increasingly unlikely that New York will have the chops to stay with the Boston Celtics if they advance, as they now have significant talent out with injuries.
Knicks' future at the center position
Mitchell Robinson’s injury was identified after undergoing tests following the team’s Game 1 victory. A league source revealed that the plan is to avoid surgery and instead to rehab the injury, for now. The severity of the injury will dictate if Robinson is available at the start of training camp in August.
Either way, this injury further highlights the need for depth, and that will come to a head in early July when free agency opens. Isaiah Hartenstein will enter unrestricted free agency this summer. Achiuwa will also enter free agency, albeit as a restricted free agent, meaning New York can at least match any offer sheet he signs.
“Centers don’t get big money anymore, but Achuiwa and Hartenstein benefit from a weak free-agency class at that position,” ESPN’s Bobby Marks told Stefan Bondy of the New York Post in March.
But what benefits Hartenstein and Achiuwa does not necessarily benefit the Knicks. Unfortunately, New York can’t re-sign both without facing repercussions, as they'll also look to lock up OG Anunoby. Re-signing Anunoby, Hartenstein, and Achiuwa pushes New York into the luxury tax, and no team wants to be over the luxury tax threshold if they can avoid it. There are also new rules in place for teams that go deep into the luxury tax and cross the second apron, so that's something to consider as well as this roster gets more expensive.
Thankfully, Robinson’s contract situation is set for the foreseeable future. He signed a four-year, $60 million deal before the 2022-23 season. In other words, he’s signed through the end of 2025-26. His contract descends each year, meaning he’ll be paid less next year than he was in 2023-24. The Knicks could look to move Robinson as part of a larger deal for a second star involving Bojan Bogdonovic and draft assets (and possibly other players). But that looks less likely now given that Robinson will be rehabbing from his latest ankle injury, leaving his utility in question.
Robinson was plagued with ankle injuries this season. He first injured his left ankle on Dec. 8 against the Boston Celtics. He was cleared to return during halftime, but exited the game again after playing through the first four minutes of the third quarter. He underwent surgery a few days later.
Following his latest injury, Mitchell Robinson will be re-evaluated in 6-8 weeks. The Knicks will look to continue their postseason success without Robinson, beginning with Game 2.
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