Knicks' Mitchell Robinson replacement might be Mitchell Robinson

The Knicks thought they'd lose Robinson for the season after he underwent surgery for a fractured ankle in December. But the NBA denied the Knicks' request for a Disabled Player Exception because they determined Robinson wasn't a "disabled player." The league — and the Knicks — now believe Robinson is likely to come back to the team by playoff time or even the end of the season.

New York is 5-0 since trading for OG Anunoby, holding opponents to a meager 97.4 points per game in that stretch. They're now the NBA's No. 13 defense, but the return of Robinson, who leads the team in both steals (1.5) and blocked shots (1.3) per game, could elevate the Knicks to a truly elite defense. Just in time for the playoffs.

Perhaps due to the good news about Robinson's injury, the Knicks waived veteran Taj Gibson before his contract was guaranteed for the rest of the season.

The Knicks now can focus on adding depth at the wing, knowing Robinson will come back. They have a number of future picks to deal as well as the expiring contract of little-used Evan Fournier and two trade exceptions.

But the biggest difference-maker they could add to make their team a threat? Mitchell Robinson.