Mitchell Robinson is so close to returning to the New York Knicks that he can taste it. This is so true that he issued a concise warning to the rest of the NBA.
“Let them sleep; I’ll wake they ass up,” Mitchell told the media following the Knicks’ impressive 128-115 road victory over the Indiana Pacers Tuesday night, as transcribed by the New York Post’s Stefan Bondy.
Robinson, 26, spoke to reporters for the first time since sustaining an ankle injury in the Knicks’ first-round playoff series victory over the Philadelphia 76ers last spring. Knicks fans can envision it right now, mean-mugging their smartphones or computer screens with the thought of Joel Embiid in their minds—otherwise known in mid-town as the Hoops Antichrist.
Of course, Robinson has not played one game for the 35-18 Knicks this season, and there’s good reason for that.
While Mitchell’s main job has been rehabbing from ankle surgery, he explained why the process has taken longer than some expected heading into the season. It concerns ensuring 100% sustained health—something the Knickerbockers desperately need from their elite rim protector.
“I’ve just been taking my time,” Robinson told reporters. “I want to make sure it’s 100 percent; I ain’t trying to keep having these sit-outs and setbacks and stuff like that,”
Unlike years past—particularly last year, when he returned from injury just before the playoffs, only to go down in the tournament—the Knicks center is taking a smart yet patient strategy.
“This time, I’m just going to play it smart,” Robinson added. “Usually, I’d be young and dumb to go out there and try to get back as fast as I can; I can’t do that [anymore].”
The longest-tenured Knick has recently been cleared for contact, yet he’s waiting to be cleared for 5-on-5 practice—which should be coming soon. Considering New York is still without OG Anunoby, Robinson’s return is more desperately needed than ever.
In just 31 games last year, Robinson averaged 5.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 24.8 minutes per game.
The New York Knicks, having won eight of their last 10 games, are set to take on the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night. It’ll be the second of a back-to-back after their road win in Indiana, and it marks the team’s last game before the NBA All-Star break.
