The NBA denied the New York Knicks a $7.8 million Disabled Participant Exception (DPE) for heart Mitchell Robinson, since there’s optimism that the 7-footer may make his return this season from harm.
Following surgical procedure on his left ankle in mid-December, he was initially anticipated to overlook 8-10 weeks. Nevertheless, the Knicks’ medical employees knowledgeable the entrance workplace that Robinson’s harm would require additional rehabilitation.
In keeping with a few NBA betting websites, the Knicks maintain 14th-ranked odds to win this season’s championship. Sportsbooks are exhibiting higher odds for the Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Warmth.
ESPN Sources: NBA is denying the Knicks a $7.8 million Disabled Participant Exception for lack of Mitchell Robinson, as a result of there’s optimism that Robinson can return from ankle surgical procedure to play late in common season. Knicks might be getting again one in every of league’s greatest defensive… pic.twitter.com/W9qaOy63Lq
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 10, 2024
On Wednesday, the league rejected the Knicks’ DPE after docs had been unable to find out that Robinson would possible be out till mid-June, in line with ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
His harm is scheduled to be re-evaluated round mid-February.
The Knicks have been conscious of the potential of Robinson’s potential return, however the entrance workplace utilized for the exception anyway to assist enhance the crew’s cap flexibility.
Robinson is making $15.68 million this season. That is a part of the four-year, $60 million deal he signed with the membership in July 2022. At $7.8 million, the DPE was for half of Robinson’s wage this season.
NBA rejected the New York Knicks’ DPE after studying heart Mitchell Robinson (ankle) may return this season
Previous to his harm, Robinson was main the NBA in offensive rebounds (112), and he ranked ninth in whole rebounds (216). To not point out, he was eleventh in steals (32), ninth in blocks (109), twentieth in offensive ranking (127.6), and sixteenth in defensive ranking (108.1).
Although, backup heart Isaiah Hartenstein has excelled throughout the Western Kentucky product’s absence.
In New York’s 116-100 win over the Chicago Bulls on Jan. 3, Hartenstein recorded 10 factors, a career-high 20 rebounds, and 5 blocks in 37 minutes of motion.
The final Knicks gamers to submit this similar stat line or higher had been Marcus Camby (2002), Patrick Ewing (12 occasions from 1988 to 1997), and John Gianelli (1976).
Supply confirms that the NBA denied the Knicks’ software for the Disabled Participant Exception for Mitchell Robinson. Was instructed there’s optimism that Robinson may return this season. He’s scheduled to be re-evaluated round mid-February following the December ankle surgical procedure.
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) January 10, 2024
Since Robinson’s harm, New York brass has additionally made fascinating upgrades to the roster.
On Dec. 30, the Knicks agreed to commerce RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and a 2024 second-round draft choose to the Toronto Raptors for OG Anunoby, Valuable Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn.
The addition of Anunoby has made the Knicks probably the greatest groups within the Jap Convention. New York has gained 5 straight because the commerce and moved into fourth place within the standings.
Anunoby is plus-111 by way of his first 5 video games in a Knicks uniform. The 6-foot-7 ahead is the primary and solely participant in NBA historical past to file a plus/minus above 100 in his first 5 video games with a franchise.
If Robinson can return this season, perhaps the Knicks will develop into the crew to beat within the East.