The latest report surrounding New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson was that the role defender could return to the team sometime in February. Ahead of Friday's loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, head coach Tom Thibodeau made his thoughts clear on where exactly the dynamic rebounder and defender is with his rehab.
"Just working individually right now," Thibodeau said. "So he hasn't been cleared. There will be a progression and it starts with one-on-zero, which is really where he is right now. He hasn't been cleared for contact yet. So that will be the next phase.
"I've been very pleased with the way he's approached the rehab. Very diligent. Working hard. He's doing all he can every day. Working on his conditioning. So he's done a good job. And then we focus on what we have to do with the team right now and who's available, preparing for each game. But he's done a really good job."
Robinson has missed the entirety of the regular season so far for New York as he recovers from foot surgery. that he went under for during the offseason.
Without Robinson on the court, New York has had to rely on different backups behind Karl-Anthony Towns including Precious Achiuwa and Jericho Sims.
Neither has done enough to earn the job moving forward. Robinson's ability to play at a high level on defense and as a rebounder is something the Knicks are sorely missing right now.
And it's why his return will be celebrated more than most other starters returning.
