The curious case of Mitchell Robinson’s health has just reached mysterious levels. On the eve of the New York Knicks’ opening game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Robinson has been announced as out for the opener. If there were an injury to coincide with the announcement, it would be one thing, but curiously, it’s deemed “load management,” rather than a fresh injury, according to a top Knicks insider.
As the Knicks’ primary rim protector on their roster and critical to their hopes of title contention, this news doesn’t set an ideal precedent regarding his health. It’s rare for load management to include the opening game of the season, especially if there is no new injury, making it all the more mysterious.
Mitchell Robinson’s Load Management Update Is Bad News For Knicks’ Title Hopes
As reported by Knicks insider Ian Begley of SNY, Robinson has been announced as out due to left ankle load management, the same ankle that was surgically repaired. He’s not the only front-court absentee, with wing Josh Hart also out due to lumbar spasms. The Hart announcement was expected, as reportedly, he hasn’t been scrimmaging. However, the Robinson announcement is more surprising.
Alarm bells started ringing after Head Coach Mike Brown’s recent statement, when asked to clarify the Robinson situation: “It’s like I said, load management. Which means that, obviously, if we deemed it necessary, could he possibly go? Yeah, possibly. It’s a decision that myself and Casey (Smith), in charge of performance, makes on a daily basis.”
Somewhat ominously, he then added, “It will be like this the whole year.” This indicates that Robinson’s status for games will be in question often throughout the year as they attempt to keep him healthy through the regular season and ready for the postseason.
It stands to reason he may have had a setback, but it isn’t entirely clear if or when that happened. However, according to Begley’s tweet, the Knicks have said there is no new injury with him, adding to the mystery.
On Mitchell Robinson, Knicks have said they will manage his workload all season. He hasn’t practiced this week. Knicks don’t want him to play unless he’s 100 percent healthy, ramped up, per league source. Knicks also say Robinson has not suffered a new injury. Robinson and Knicks…
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) October 21, 2025
“Knicks don’t want him to play unless he’s 100 percent healthy, ramped up, per league source. Knicks also say Robinson has not suffered a new injury. Robinson and Knicks medical team are working together on season-long plan. Obviously, goal is to have him healthy for postseason.”
As Begley points out later in the tweet, this is far from ideal for Brown to manage on a nightly basis, nor ideal for a team with title aspirations.
Robinson’s Absence Turns Focus on Karl-Anthony Towns and Others
This means that Karl-Anthony Towns will almost certainly start at center. Furthermore, plenty of minutes will be available for versatile big man Guerschon Yabusele, who was their primary free agent signing during the offseason; he may have an even bigger role than previously envisaged.
Also, this presents an opportunity for the bruising 7-foot-tall Ariel Hukporti, taken 58th overall in the 2024 draft. He impressed the Knicks in a limited run of games last season before tearing his meniscus. Now he’s healthy, making further strides, and could be an interesting option.
There’s also Trey Jemison III, who averaged 10 minutes per game for the New Orleans Pelicans and latterly for the Los Angeles Lakers in 38 total games last year.
Ideally, the Knicks wouldn’t want Towns to play heavy minutes at the five due to his well-documented struggles handling defensive assignments last season.
Although he proved himself to be one of the most gifted offensive bigs in the league throughout the year, several schematic breakdowns occurred under his watch during their Conference Finals loss to the Indiana Pacers. This adds to the importance that he sees plenty of minutes at the four.
However, Robinson’s health is absolutely pivotal to the Knicks’ hopes. While it is entirely sensible not to push his ankle to start the year, this news does not set a strong precedent for his upcoming season.
