Knicks Face Painful Mitchell Robinson Decision Ahead of 2025 Opening Night
August 5, 2025 – New York, NY
As the New York Knicks gear up for what promises to be one of their most high-stakes seasons in recent memory, the front office and new coaching staff face a looming decision that could define their opening stretch — what to do about Mitchell Robinson.
The 7-foot center, once viewed as the franchise’s defensive anchor, has become the center of a growing dilemma in New York. With the 2025-26 NBA season set to tip off in just weeks, the Knicks must decide whether to start, bench, or potentially shop Robinson — a painful choice, considering the loyalty and expectations he has garnered over the years.
After returning late last season from a series of injuries and watching Isaiah Hartenstein thrive in his absence, Robinson’s role within the team’s pecking order has become increasingly murky. With Hartenstein now gone to Oklahoma City in free agency, many assumed Robinson would slide back into his starting role. But internal reports and training camp performances suggest that it might not be that simple.
A Complicated History
Mitchell Robinson’s tenure in New York has been anything but ordinary. Drafted 36th overall in 2018 after a strange pre-draft process that included skipping college, Robinson was initially seen as a high-upside project. However, it didn’t take long for him to prove he belonged — with shot-blocking instincts, elite rim protection, and eye-popping athleticism that made him a fan favorite.
He developed into one of the league’s premier interior defenders and finished as one of the best offensive rebounders in the NBA multiple times. But his growth has been consistently interrupted by injuries. In six NBA seasons, Robinson has played more than 65 games only once. Last season, a stress fracture in his left ankle kept him out for months, forcing the Knicks to adapt — and ultimately flourish — without him.
The Rise of Alternatives
In Robinson’s absence, Isaiah Hartenstein stepped into the starting role and exceeded expectations. His ability to pass out of the high post, finish with touch, and provide positional versatility gave the Knicks’ offense a new dimension. Perhaps more importantly, his availability became his greatest asset — something Robinson has struggled with throughout his career.
While Hartenstein’s departure opened a theoretical path for Robinson to return to prominence, the Knicks aren’t without alternatives. Newly acquired Precious Achiuwa, and the emergence of second-year big man Jericho Sims, give head coach Johnnie Bryant (who replaces Tom Thibodeau) other frontcourt options. Achiuwa, in particular, offers a more modern, switchable presence on defense and is considered a better fit for the up-tempo, motion-heavy offense Bryant is expected to implement.
The System Fit Question
Robinson’s style of play, though valuable in certain matchups, may not perfectly align with what Bryant envisions for the Knicks in 2025. While Robinson is elite in rim protection and lob-finishing, he’s limited offensively. He doesn’t stretch the floor, rarely passes, and has never developed a reliable post-up game.
In contrast, Bryant’s offensive system emphasizes ball movement, spacing, and versatility — qualities that don’t align cleanly with Robinson’s skill set. Sources close to the team say that Robinson has made a concerted effort to improve his conditioning and passing over the summer, but the question remains: Is that enough?
“Mitchell’s a great rim protector, but the game is evolving,” one scout told The New York Post. “In the playoffs, you need bigs who can guard multiple positions and stay involved offensively. That’s not his strength.”
Trade Rumors and Contract Realities
Complicating matters is Robinson’s contract. He’s under contract for two more seasons at about $14 million annually — a reasonable number for a player of his caliber, but also a moveable piece if the Knicks seek upgrades elsewhere. With trade rumors swirling around potential deals for wing depth or a backup point guard, Robinson’s name has surfaced in multiple scenarios.
Some within the Knicks front office believe that showcasing Robinson in the starting lineup on Opening Night could boost his value, especially if he performs well out of the gate. Others argue that such a strategy could backfire if he struggles or — worse — suffers another injury.
“It’s a tough situation,” a former team executive said. “You don’t want to devalue the guy, but you also have to do what’s best for the team’s long-term success.”
A Painful Decision Ahead
The Knicks have spent the last few years building a culture around toughness, loyalty, and accountability. Mitchell Robinson, by all accounts, has been a central figure in that transformation. He’s beloved in the locker room, respected by teammates, and adored by the Madison Square Garden faithful.
But as the Knicks transition from playoff participant to championship contender, hard decisions become necessary. The Opening Night rotation will be the first real signal of how Bryant views Robinson’s place in the team’s future.
Will the Knicks double down on the defensive specialist they developed? Or will they choose to evolve, potentially sidelining a player who helped stabilize them through years of chaos?
Whatever the decision, one thing is clear: Mitchell Robinson’s fate in New York is at a crossroads, and how the Knicks handle it could have ripple effects throughout the season.
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