Mitchell Robinson's Ankle Woes Highlight Knicks' Dilemma

The Best Ability is Availability: Mitchell Robinson's Persistent Injury Battle

In the high-stakes world of the NBA, talent alone isn't enough to guarantee success. For New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson, the greatest challenge isn't dominating on the court—it's simply getting there. The athletic big man possesses elite rim protection and rebounding prowess, but a persistent history of injuries, particularly to his left ankle, continues to plague his career and the Knicks' championship aspirations.

Since entering the league in 2018, Robinson has consistently wowed fans with his eye-popping athleticism. When healthy, his impact is undeniable: per 100 possessions, he averages a monstrous 16.1 rebounds (7.6 offensive), 3.8 blocks, and a defensive rating of 107. The problem? He's only managed to suit up for 342 of a possible 565 regular-season games, missing roughly 60% of contests throughout his tenure. This season, through 11 games, he's played in just five, leaving the Knicks to navigate without their defensive anchor far too often.

Impact on the Court: The Knicks Shine When Robinson is Healthy

The statistics paint a crystal-clear picture: the Knicks are significantly better when Robinson is active. Despite his limited availability, New York has established itself as an Eastern Conference juggernaut. However, his on/off-court differentials reveal just how much value he brings:

Offensive Rating: 134.3 with Robinson on the court (vs. significantly lower without)
Net Rating: +24.0 with Robinson on the court
Rebound Percentage: 58.9% of available rebounds secured by Robinson
Team Points per 100 Possessions: 137.6 (99th percentile) with him
Offensive Rebound Percentage: 47.9% (100th percentile) with him

As Cleaning the Glass data highlights, Robinson's presence elevates the entire team. His elite rebounding fuels second-chance opportunities, while his rim protection stifles opponents. The Knicks' +21.2 point differential when he's on the floor underscores his irreplaceability.

The Current Ankle Saga: Questionable Status and Cautious Management

Robinson's ongoing battle with his left ankle—the same one requiring surgery two summers ago—keeps him out of the lineup. He missed the entire 2024-25 season (17 games played) and all of training camp and preseason this year. This forced the Knicks into an ultra-cautious approach during the early 2025-26 campaign.

Recent news adds another layer of uncertainty. Mitchell Robinson was listed as questionable for a game against the Memphis Grizzlies due to lingering ankle issues. The team is prioritizing his long-term health over immediate contributions, potentially opting to sit him even further. If sidelined, players like Guerschon Yabusele and Ariel Hukporti would see increased minutes to fill the void.

Coach Mike Brown did offer a glimmer of hope, recently stating that Robinson can "go longer with his minutes now than before" and that his usage is "on the rise." This suggests a gradual, measured return to a more significant role is planned. However, until he can consistently log core-player minutes (currently averaging just 16.6), the Knicks won't reach their fullest potential.

Looking Ahead: Balancing Talent and Longevity

The Knicks find themselves in a familiar, frustrating position: blessed with an elite talent whose career is constantly derailed by injury. Robinson's ability to alter games defensively and on the glass is undeniable, but his availability remains the biggest question mark hovering over the franchise's title hopes.

For fantasy managers, his situation is equally precarious. While his per-minute stats are elite, the risk of another injury setback or continued limited minutes makes him a high-risk, high-reward play. The team's cautious management strategy, while necessary for the Knicks' success, directly impacts his fantasy value and ceiling.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Robinson's ankle. Can the Knicks finally unlock the full potential of their franchise pivot by keeping him on the court? Or will "availability" remain Robinson's elusive, and most crucial, skill?