Worries won’t stop mounting for Tom Thibodeau and the New York Knicks. They enjoyed a thrilling offseason, strengthening their roster with blasting forward Mikal Bridges. Julius Randle is also set to be ready by the start of the season. The only hole in their roster lies at the center position. And it seems for some part of the early season, their depth at the five will remain bleak.

According to Yaron Weitzman, the longest-tenured Knick – Mitchell Robinson isn’t expected to be ready by the start of the season in October. Robinson underwent surgery on his left ankle in December last season. He missed 50 games before returning in the postseason where he would suffer a stress fracture on the same ankle. His rehab seems to be taking longer than expected.

The team is eyeing his return in December or January. The front office wants to avoid being hasty and rushing Robinson into returning since he has had perennial trouble with ailments throughout his career. The 7-footer is a daunting interior presence for the Knicks and the only true five in their roster.

In his absence, 25-year-old Jericho Sims is expected to take on the starting role. Mitchell Robinson has been a key part of Thibs’ previous lineups. Without him for the first few months, the revered head coach is bound to go through his share of trouble. The franchise has every facet covered but lacks a center rotation fit for the season.

Even with Robinson, they didn’t have ample depth. Now, Thibodeau will need to experiment with other players to supplement his absence.

The Knicks aren’t worried about Robinson’s prolonged absence

Last season, the New York Knicks didn’t have to worry about Robinson’s exit due to Isaiah Hartenstein. The robust center supplied them with a consistent array of inside buckets while also being a commanding rebounder. But with him gone to the Thunder, their center depth in thin. With Mitchell Robinson out, the Knicks are in peril. But not as per the report.

“The Knicks also maintain that they are confident in the current depth and versatility of their roster” Weitzman’s report states. But who is their answer?

In an earlier conversation, Thibs revealed Julius Randle to be a possible choice to play at the center spot. Naturally, the All-Star is a forward with equipped with a diverse scoring arsenal. But with the lack of another veteran big, the seasoned coach has seen Randle as a fit replacement. He understands the strains it can have though. The plan is to only have him supply as a center for “10 or 15 minutes”.

Standing at 6’8″, Randle does handle physicality immensely well for a power forward. But as a center, there are bound to be defensive struggles. Matchups against Joel Embiid or Jokic will be strenuous for the budding Knick. At the same time though he can play well as a fulcrum, utilizing his polished playmaking skills. Furthermore, there are also offensive advantages with him being naturally a step or two quicker than traditional bigs.

Even then, his most impactful role remains to be a power forward. The likes of Precious Achiuwa could see significant minutes during the stretch of Robinson’s absence given his experience and size.