Money Making Mitch Returns From Injury
The Knicks’ defense has been a major weakness in 2025, struggling to protect the paint and contest shots. With Mitchell Robinson set to return, his shot-blocking presence could provide the stability.
I will start off this article by saying I love Mitchell Robinson and I wish him nothing but good health, for this specific roster, we need Mitchell Robinson like an ankle needs a knee. The Blockness Monster: How Mitchell Robinson Can Save the Knicks’ Defense
The New York Knicks’ defense in 2025 has been a disaster. What was once a hallmark of Tom Thibodeau-coached teams—gritty, tough, and disciplined defense—has completely fallen apart. The Knicks rank 20th in defensive rating, 25th in defensive rebounding, 18th in steals per game, dead last in blocks per game, 20th in opponent points in the paint, worst in the league in opponent three-point percentage, 20th in opponent three-pointers made and 25th in opponent field goal percentage. We have also allowed a total of 6,555 which ranks 14th in the NBA.
These numbers paint a clear picture: the Knicks struggle to contain dribble penetration, give up too many easy shots at the rim, and allow opposing teams to light them up from three. Their perimeter defense is a major issue, but their problems extend beyond just stopping the ball. They lack interior presence, have no true deterrent at the rim, and without that anchor, their defensive scheme has crumbled.
One of the biggest issues is Thibodeau’s reliance on drop coverage. The Knicks run drop coverage on 48 percent of their defensive possessions, the highest rate in the NBA. In theory, this scheme is designed to protect the paint and force mid-range jumpers, but with the Knicks this season with Karl Anthony Towns at center, it has been a disaster. New York allows 1.34 points per possession on direct pick-and-rolls, the worst mark in the league. Guards are getting open jumpers, lob threats are finishing with ease, and without a dominant shot-blocker in the middle, the entire system is failing.
This is why Mitchell Robinson’s return could be a game-changer. Before his injury, he was the backbone of the Knicks’ defense, an elite rim protector, rebounder, and shot-blocker who made drop coverage work. His presence alone forces opponents into tougher shots, cleans up defensive possessions with rebounding, and takes pressure off the perimeter defenders. Without him, the Knicks have been exposed. With him, they regain a true defensive identity.
Mitchell Robinson’s journey to this point is unique. Born in Pensacola, Florida, he played high school basketball at Chalmette High in Louisiana before making the unprecedented decision to skip college and train independently for the NBA Draft. The Knicks selected him in the second round with the 36th overall pick in 2018, and he quickly made an impact as one of the most athletic and instinctual shot-blockers in the league.
Robinson has already cemented himself in the record books with some of the most impressive defensive stats in Knicks history. He holds the NBA record for most blocked three-point attempts in a season with 24, breaking Myles Turner’s mark. He recorded a block in 29 consecutive games as a rookie, breaking Patrick Ewing’s Knicks rookie record. He blocked 135 shots in a season, surpassing Kristaps Porzingis for the Knicks rookie record. At just 20 years old, he had a nine-block game, making him the second-youngest player ever to do so, behind only Shaquille O’Neal.
He is one of just seven rookies in the last 30 years to record back-to-back games with a double-double and five or more blocks, joining legends like Shaquille O’Neal, Tim Duncan, Dikembe Mutombo, Alonzo Mourning, David Robinson, and Yao Ming. He is also one of only eight rookies in NBA history to record at least two blocks in 15 straight games, joining names like Hakeem Olajuwon, Manute Bol, David Robinson, and Shaquille O’Neal.
Beyond shot-blocking, Robinson is also an elite offensive rebounder. He and Dennis Rodman are the only two players in NBA history to grab three or more offensive rebounds in the first 15 games of a season. His efficiency is historic as well—he is the first player in NBA history to shoot over 74 percent from the field for an entire season.
In Knicks franchise history, Robinson ranks first in win shares per 48 minutes, first in offensive rating, second in total blocks, third in offensive rebounding, and ninth in player efficiency rating. These numbers highlight just how impactful he is when he’s on the court.
Recently, Tom Thibodeau labeled Mitchell Robinson as the team’s starting center once he returns.
Whether that’s a legitimate statement or just Thibodeau attempting to keep Robinson engaged remains to be seen. But if Robinson is truly reintegrated into the starting lineup, the Knicks’ defensive potential significantly improves. I don’t feel like narrative forming but just for argument sake why didn’t Thibs just start Ariel or Jericho Sims with Mitch at the start of the season?
Now when it comes to Mitchell Robinson return it comes with a sacrifice.
Ariel Hukporti suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks—a tough blow for the Knicks’ depth. So now this will test Thibs coaching chops at 67 years old. Matter of fact I do have four logical questions to ask Knicks management.
1. With Jericho Sims gone and no other true center on the roster, is there desperation to start Mitchell Robinson as soon as he returns? Precious at the Center spot in short spurts is good but do u like the Precious/Hart combo coming off the bench for spacing?
2. How many minutes will Mitchell Robinson play, and will Thibodeau overuse him coming off injury? Come on man this guy is diabolical to be honest, damn near every Knick besides Mikal Bridges has had some sort of Injury this season. Three current Knick players right now experiencing Knee problems, Thibs you regular season merchant.
3. What does the bench rotation look like now? If Thibs starts Robinson and sticks with a small second unit of Precious Achiuwa, Deuce McBride, Landry Shamet, and Cam Payne, is he sealing his fate as Knicks head coach? With a bench rotation like that he might as well kick the can now. I watched Cam Payne guard Jaylen Brown in the 4th quarter during our ass kicking couple days ago, I damn sure don’t want to see that in April.
4. With one open roster spot and only $540,127 below the second apron, should the Knicks commit to signing a player for the rest of the season or take the more flexible 10-day contract route? A rest-of-season deal would essentially use up their remaining cap space ($539,876 as of 2/28), while a 10-day contract would cost $119,972, allowing them to evaluate multiple options before making a long-term commitment. Given their frontcourt issues after the Ariel Hukporti injury, should they prioritize adding a big man, or do they need more backcourt depth instead? (Credit: @Bobby Marks
Now credit to my guy
and Ian Begley the New York Knicks are weighing their options for the final roster spot as they navigate the constraints of the first apron. According to NBA insider Ian Begley, the team will soon have enough financial flexibility to add a veteran, with TJ Warren and Chuma Okeke emerging as leading candidates for the vacancy. Warren, a proven scorer with playoff experience, has been on the Knicks radar for some time, while Okeke, a versatile forward, offers defensive potential and floor-spacing ability. The decision on who will fill the 15th spot could be made later this week, as the Knicks look to bolster their depth for the stretch run. TJ Warren’s numbers from the 2024-25 season reflect his efficiency as a scorer. Overall, he is averaging 9.5 field goals made on 18.4 attempts per game, shooting an impressive 51.8% from the field. His three-point shooting sits at 34.6% on 6.9 attempts per game, while he is converting 80.6% of his free throws. He contributes 6.7 rebounds per game, including 3.0 on the offensive glass, along with 3.6 assists and 1.9 steals, showing some defensive impact. He’s now averaging 25.1 Points per game in the G League and clearly belongs in the NBA.At home, Warren’s numbers take a slight dip, averaging 8.3 field goals made on 15.7 attempts, shooting 52.7% from the field but just 28.9% from three. On the road, however, he steps up, averaging 10.6 makes on 20.8 attempts with a 51.2% field goal percentage and a much stronger 37.9% from beyond the arc. His free-throw percentage at home is excellent at 88.9%, but it drops significantly to 72.2% on the road. Chuma on the other hand shoutouts to my guy J from the east on Twitter @anytimeknicks on Twitter who been supporting Chuma. This season averaging 15.6 points per game while shooting 47.6% from the field. He’s also shooting 37.1% from 3 and 1.5 Free Throw Attempts per game showing his sign of aggressiveness. Shooting 84.5% from the Free Throw line also help with being efficient from the field while being aggressive. Okeke is also a monster defender boasting 8.8 rebounds, 1.6 Steals and 1.5 blocks per game. Chuma also has a net rating of +10.1 so he’s obviously a positive impact on the floor when he plays.
Warren and Okeke remain reliable scoring options, with Warren particularly excelling in road games. However, his three-point shooting and free-throw consistency fluctuate depending on the setting, making his contributions somewhat unpredictable. In contrast, Okeke has been the more well-rounded player, providing defensive versatility, rebounding, and secondary playmaking, though his scoring impact isn’t as pronounced as Warren’s. If the team needs a scoring punch off the bench, Warren is still a solid option, but for more stability on both ends, Okeke might be the better choice depending on matchups. Whomever Leon choose I’m going to ride with them until the wheels fall off.
Now finally what I’ve been thinking about is a potential defensive lineup of Deuce McBride, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mitchell Robinson could give the Knicks an elite defensive foundation. Bridges and Anunoby are two of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, McBride brings toughness and ball pressure, and Robinson serves as the true anchor in the middle. If Thibodeau is serious about maximizing this team’s defensive potential, this lineup needs to see time together.
The Knicks’ defense has been one of the worst in the league, but Mitchell Robinson’s return could change everything. His ability to protect the rim, clean up the glass, and make drop coverage functional again gives the Knicks a chance to reestablish themselves as a defensive force. With the playoffs approaching, his return might be the key to salvaging their season.
Peace and blessings reader and thankyou for enjoying another State article.