New York Knicks Returning to the Rotation in 2025

Mitchell Robinson’s Recovery Timeline

The saga of Mitchell Robinson’s ankle woes is truly unfortunate. The Knicks’ defensive sentinel underwent two procedures on his left ankle in a year-long battle to reclaim his spot in the paint. In the series against the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2023-24 playoffs, Robinson’s left ankle gave way, revealing a stress fracture that would alter the Knicks’ defensive blueprint. May brought another setback – his second ankle surgery, pushing his surgical count to four in just three years.

Robinson’s comeback trail shows glimmers of hope, though every step remains calculated. The big man’s daily grind includes court sessions with feather-light shooting drills, a weight room regimen to maintain conditioning and solo rehabilitation work to rebuild strength. The 26-year-old rim protector still awaits the green light for full practice participation. The whole organization is preaching patience with each rehabilitation milestone must be conquered before advancing.

Expected Return Date

Remaining cautious is what is dragging on Robinson’s return schedule. December hopes faded into a new year return. The medical staff now circles late January as the earliest possible return to MSG’s hardwood. The Knicks’ medical team is treating Robinson’s recovery methodically and strategically. Last season’s limited 31-game appearance haunts the Knicks’ front office decision-making. Behind closed doors, the phones buzz with potential trade discussions. The extended timeline forces brass to consider reinforcing their front court arsenal. Each passing game without Robinson’s defensive presence amplifies the urgency for roster solutions to compete come playoff time. 

Landry Shamet New Contract

It is always good to have veteran reinforcements in the back court. Shamet’s initial Knicks run was paused in a Charlotte preseason clash with an awkward fall, one dislocated shoulder, and now the Knicks starters running up the minutes. With good timing, it is another favorable contract for the Knicks paying $1.68 million for one year of Shamet’s services. His Westchester Knicks audition was encouraging, scoring 11 points per night. This brings in more veteran leadership with Shamat having six seasons of NBA battles under his belt. The skillsets he brings is a veteran shooting touch, off-ball movement and a high basketball IQ.

Shamet debuted on December 22, 2024, against the Toronto Raptors, scoring his first points of the season. Shamet’s comeback gained momentum in a December 27 game versus the Orlando Magic, where he contributed 7 points and 2 steals in 10 minutes of play. He also got a little burn in the two games against the Wizards before the turn of the new year. Head coach Tom Thibodeau has expanded the Knicks’ rotation to include Shamet, addressing the team’s bench scoring issues. As Shamet continues to build strength and conditioning, his three-point shooting ability and off-ball play are expected to provide valuable depth to the Knicks’ successful 2024-25 campaign.

Bench 3-point Shooting

With potential for another spark plug off the bench, Shamat has shot 38.4% from downtown across six NBA campaigns. Shamet’s trigger-quick release sends defenders scrambling, especially when he catches fire from deep. Where’s the bench scoring? Amongst the bottom of the league in points per game. Enter Shamet, the floor-spacing wizard whose range creates breathing room for McBride and Payne’s attacking game. Thibs sees beyond the box score. The coach raves about Shamet’s basketball brain – a player who reads and reacts while others still think. The fans will like the reliability he brings.