How Mitchell Robinson’s injury impacts Knicks’ NBA Finals plans

Robinson is an important part of the Knicks’ defensive strategy. That is the case regardless if they’re facing an All-World big man. And make no mistake about it, that is what Wembanyama is.

Wembanyama is very obviously a tremendously talented player. He is the tallest active player in the NBA. He elevates with relative ease. Despite his size, he is a knock-down shooter—oh, and he is among the best defenders in the NBA, too.

Granted, slowing someone like Wembanyama down requires a team effort with a detailed strategy featuring different defenders. Anunoby will also be a part of defending Wembanyama. So, too, will Towns. But Robinson will be the most important defender.

Robinson has the ability to move his feet to stay in front of Wembanyama. And he possesses the requisite length to potentially disrupt shot attempts. Nothing will stop Wembanyama. But Robinson can be a part of a strategy that disrupts him enough to alter the Spurs offense.

Mitchell Robinson’s injury is not season ending

It is important to note that playing through injured fingers is not unprecedented. When still with the Boston Celtics, Jrue Holiday famously opted to wait to have finger surgery, choosing to “buddy tape” the injury instead. Buddy taping involves taping the injured finger to the adjacent finger as a means of support. Kobe Bryant made a similar choice in 2009, waiting months to finish the 2009-10 season (and ultimately win the NBA Championship). Gordon Hayward, Bernard King, and De’Aaron Fox have all made similar choices, too.

The fact that Robinson chose to undergo surgery and immediately announce he will attempt to play bodes well for New York.

Another important consideration involves Robinson’s role. He is not someone who is relied on to handle or shoot the basketball. In fact, he holds the basketball for very limited periods of time. Most of his points come off of lobs or put back attempts. And he is already an extremely unreliable free throw shooter; Robinson registered a career-worst 41% from the free throw line this season and he’s made only 30% of his attempts this post season. So, it can’t get much worse in that regard.

If Robinson can’t play, the Knicks will probably go small with a mix of Towns, Anunoby, and Josh Hart playing center. Ariel Huckporti will likely get minutes, as well. But Robinson’s chances of playing look pretty good.

New York will rely on Robinson to slow down Wembanyama. Hopefully Robinson is up for the task. And if he is, we are in for a clash of titans, which will ultimately decide the 2026 NBA Champion.