Karl-Anthony Towns is here to finally push the Knicks over the line. That’s what a vast majority of the Knicks fans are hoping for. But bad news strikes! No, nothing happened to Towns. This time, it’s Mitchell Robinson. Following Julius Randle‘s trade, it’s safe to assume Robinson did not attract many fans with his social media antics. Despite all that, the Knicks fans need him to be fit, and guess what? The reality is just the opposite of it.

Earlier today, Shams Charania dropped another bomb. According to the newly appointed ESPN insider, Robinson will be missing the remainder of the calendar year. The 30-year-old sports reporter said, “Mitchell Robinson…I am told he will be out for the remainder of the calendar year 2024. He will aim for his season debut in January. He is aiming to make his return in…It is imperative for the Knicks and Robinson to come back in peak form and really take his time from these injuries.”

Robinson had an ankle surgery in May and is yet to recover. The 26-year-old dealt with stress fractures in his left ankle at multiple points last season that required surgery on two separate occasions. Now, he wants to take the time to recover fully before stepping back onto the court.

This, indeed, is bad news for the Knicks fans. The reaction from Stephen A. Smith said it all, as he banged the table in frustration upon learning this from Charania on First Take. So, there are understandable concerns and frustrations surrounding the center. One of the fans wrote on X, “Get him off my team,” in reaction to the news from Charania.

There was a whole lot of trade buzz surrounding the 26-year-old, but his injury situation clearly made it less appealing. Now, with the disclosed return timeline, will the Knicks pull the trigger before the trade deadline? That’s the biggest question mark over Robinson’s future in NY. But before that, let’s see what the other fans had to say.

The fans voice their opinion

“Not necessarily a surprise, but still notable that we’re already shifting away from the optimistic timetable,” another added. Given how thin the Knicks are at the center position, Robinson’s injury is certainly a major concern. If Robinson becomes unavailable, Precious Achiuwa can be moved to the position. Jericho Sims is another name in the depth chart and that scenario increases the load on Josh Hart without a doubt.

“It’s over for Mitchell Robinson, good luck trying to trade him,” a fan pointed out. As mentioned before, with injuries eating away at his career, it’s only a matter of time before the franchise reacts. But would there be a suitor with his constant injury issues in the recent seasons? In the last two seasons, Robinson has played only 90 regular season games for the Knicks averaging 6.5 points per game. His $60 million contract can also be a blockade in any potential move, with the CBA in full effect. So yes, good luck Knicks trading him.

“This was already known. SAS is such a casual,” commented one, pointing out Stephen A.’s reaction to the news. Many fans claimed to have known this for a few weeks now and anyone remotely attached to the franchise should’ve known this. The analyst’s reaction to Robinson’s update made it clear to those fans that SAS is probably not a Knick through and through like he claims.

Theories aside, it is clear that the Robinson injury can raise issues related to roster depth once the season starts. For now, Robinson has a smashing start to life in NY, but a player doesn’t win the championship; a unified team does, with everyone contributing their fair share. How much will Mitchell Robinson contribute to that? We will find out.