(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
The New York Knicks suffered a potentially massive blow ahead of the NBA Finals after center Mitchell Robinson reportedly broke his right pinkie finger.
According to reports Thursday, Robinson has no current timetable for a return, creating uncertainty about his availability for Game 1 of the Finals next week.
The injury comes just days after the Knicks completed a dominant sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers to reach their first NBA Finals since 1999.
Robinson’s Injury Creates Major Frontcourt Concern
Robinson may not post star-level numbers, but his impact on New York’s postseason run has been significant.
The 7-footer has averaged 5.3 points and 5.5 rebounds in limited playoff minutes while providing elite offensive rebounding, rim protection and physicality off the bench behind Karl-Anthony Towns.
His absence would create a major depth issue for the Knicks against either the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs.
Against Oklahoma City, Robinson’s size would help battle the frontcourt duo of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. Against San Antonio, he could have been one of New York’s primary defenders against Victor Wembanyama.
Knicks Could Be Forced Into Smaller Lineups
If Robinson cannot play, the Knicks will likely lean heavily on Towns while giving backup minutes to second-year center Ariel Hukporti.
Hukporti has played sparingly throughout the postseason and lacks Robinson’s experience, rebounding instincts and defensive versatility.
New York could also experiment with smaller lineups featuring Josh Hart or OG Anunoby playing bigger roles in the frontcourt, though that would sacrifice size and rim protection.
Robinson Has Battled Injuries Throughout Career
The injury adds another frustrating chapter to Mitchell Robinson’s lengthy injury history.
Since the New York Knicks drafted him in 2018, Robinson has dealt with multiple injuries, including issues involving his hand, thumb, foot and ankle. However, this season had been one of his healthier campaigns, as he appeared in 60 games after the Knicks carefully managed his workload.
Despite his offensive limitations and struggles at the free-throw line, Robinson remains one of the NBA’s best offensive rebounders and a key piece of New York’s physical identity.
Now the Knicks wait to learn whether one of their most important role players will be available when the franchise chases its first championship since 1973.
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