CHICAGO — Mitchell Robinson offered neither clarity nor explanation for his four-game absence to start the season, instead deflecting questions about the confusing load management plan surrounding him.
“I ain’t telling you nothing,” Robinson said Friday in his first comments since his three-week hiatus for what the Knicks called “left ankle injury load management.”
Pressed with follow-up questions, Robinson said his missed games were “part of the plan,” but he is unaware if the plan will continue throughout the season.
“I don’t know,” Robinson responded when asked.
Robinson played minutes in the opening three preseason games but was mysteriously shut down afterward, only being upgraded to questionable for Friday’s game against the Bulls. Knicks coach Mike Brown has maintained that Robinson was never reinjured and that his DNPs (Did Not Play) were part of a load management strategy, despite it defying logic to participate in preseason games but miss regular season contests that actually count.
Robinson also denied there was any setback in his recovery.
“Nah, it’s part of the plan,” he reiterated.
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The details of that “plan,” however, remain undisclosed. Coach Brown stated that it is dictated by the medical staff. Robinson said he is involved in the decision-making.
“Of course,” Robinson confirmed when asked if he was part of the discussions. When questioned about how he feels regarding the plan, he replied, “Going with the flow.”
Robinson underwent a second surgery on his ankle in May 2024, which caused him to miss all but 17 games last season. He returned with a stated commitment to maintaining his long-term health. With no apparent progress on a contract extension, he is expected to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Given his injury history and the plan to accumulate healthy DNPs, Robinson can’t yet be considered a reliable, steady contributor. Still, he was on track to be the Knicks’ starting center and plays a significant role in the team’s hopes of contending for a championship.
“Been stressful, stressful to watch,” Robinson admitted. “What I bring a lot to the table, we’re missing right now.”
Robinson’s game — primarily a rebounding and defensive specialist who doesn’t require many offensive touches outside of dunks or free throws — should not demand rhythm to regain his impact. But once he returns, pressing questions remain: “For how long?” and “Is the conditioning good enough for Coach Brown’s system?”
“[The running] is going to be a bear at first, but I’m going to keep working and keep pushing myself,” Robinson said.
