USA Today via Reuters
Nov 30, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) shields the ball from New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 30, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) shields the ball from New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Mitchell Robinson, the 26-year-old center, faced a tough season, playing only 31 games because of an ankle injury. Unfortunately, during the playoffs, a skirmish with Joel Embiid led to a setback, forcing him back to the sidelines. After undergoing another ankle surgery in May, he’s now aiming for a return in late December or January. This uncertainty sparked rumors on social media, with fans questioning, “Is Mitchell Robinson at media day?” and speculating about the hooper’s future with the team as trade rumors circulated.
Despite all the rumors swirling around him, especially after Karl-Anthony Towns’ arrival, Mitchell Robinson reportedly made his presence known on Knicks’ media day. After speculation that he might not even attend, he responded directly to the doubters, sharing an official photo of him with the caption: “But ‘I wasn’t at media day’ dumba** people,” with a slap-face emoji on his Instagram stories.
It was clear Mitchell Robinson wasn’t happy with the rumors, but his frustration didn’t sit well with many fans. Instead of support, his remark sparked concern, with comments like, “This guy is in trouble, starting to really worry about his mental health, no joke.” This was also related to the reaction the hooper had to the blockbuster Knicks-Wolves trade. “I’m really a great vibe. Longest Knick. Risking my body to get the job done really paid off,” he posted. There was no problem with the line, the timing, however, irked many.
Amid the mounting tension and uncertainty surrounding Mitchell Robinson’s future with the Knicks, trade speculations have emerged in the hoops community, with the Lakers emerging as a destination. According to reports via Kris Pursiainen, the NY side is actively “receiving and taking calls” about Robinson, their longest-tenured player. While the likelihood of a deal remains unclear, a trade sending the hooper to the Lakers could be a game-changer for both sides.
For the Lakers, acquiring the veteran could fill a major gap in their defense, a need D’Angelo Russell touched on when he said, “Last year we didn’t have the structure defensively as a team.” A potential trade might involve players like Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, and Maxwell Lewis heading to the Knicks in exchange for Mitchell Robinson—benefitting both teams. Amid all this trade speculation, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau dropped an update on Robinson’s injury.
“There’s no real timeframe for it” – Tom Thibodeau on Mitchell Robinson’s recovery!
Even with the trade rumors swirling, the real concern surrounding Mitchell Robinson is whether he has fully recovered or not. Tom Thibodeau addressed the hooper’s status at media day, offering an update that added uncertainty to the timelines. “There’s no real timeframe for it, other than we want to make sure he’s completely healthy before we move forward,” the head coach said. “We’re gonna be patient and take our time with it.”
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 30, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) rebounds after the game Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) and center Jalen Duren (0) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Despite all the talk of a potential trade, Thibodeau’s focus was on Robinson’s recovery, showing a commitment to his health, while not seeing the need to rush him back, after the whole fiasco with Joel Embiid. There was no mention of any trade speculation, though, still leaving the big man’s future with the Knicks in limbo. “When he’s ready to go, he’s ready to go. So he’s doing well from what he’s doing right now. We’re just gonna go step by step…We have to have patience. Just let him work through it,” he added.
For all the rumors and potential trade scenarios, Mitchell Robinson’s health remains the biggest factor. It’s a waiting game now, with his future hanging in the balance until he can fully recover and prove that he’s ready for whatever comes next—whether that’s in New York, Los Angeles, or anywhere else. What are your thoughts on this?
Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.
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Mitchell Robinson shutting down Lakers rumors—Is he right to call out the media for spreading lies?