Gavin Schall here, the host of the daily Locked On Knicks podcast, with your daily Locked On Knicks newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Knicks and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Mitchell Robinson’s Return: A Game-Changer for the Knicks?
Apr 30, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) warms up before game five of the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports | Brad Penner/Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Knicks might be on the verge of a significant boost to their lineup. According to a recent report by Ian Begley, Mitchell Robinson could be back on the court as early as early February. This potential return raises several intriguing questions about the team’s dynamics and future strategies.
Robinson’s absence has been felt since his injury during last year’s playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers. His return could be a pivotal moment for the Knicks, especially considering the team’s current roster composition and the recent addition of Karl-Anthony Towns.
Looking back at Robinson’s performance before his injury, there are some interesting trends to consider. In the first 20 games of the previous season, Robinson showcased a mix of strengths and areas for improvement. While his field goal percentage at the rim dropped from his historical highs, he remained an elite offensive rebounder. In fact, Robinson posted a 17.6% offensive rebound percentage, placing him in the 99th percentile in the NBA.
One of the most notable improvements in Robinson’s game was his defensive discipline. He significantly reduced his foul rate while maintaining his impact as a rim protector. This evolution in his play style could be crucial for the Knicks’ defensive schemes upon his return.
The big question on everyone’s mind is how Robinson will fit alongside Karl-Anthony Towns. The Knicks have found success with Towns at the center position, but Robinson’s return could offer new strategic options. There’s potential for a formidable frontcourt pairing, reminiscent of Towns’ successful partnership with Rudy Gobert in Minnesota.
However, integrating Robinson back into the lineup won’t be without challenges. The team will need to carefully manage his minutes and role, especially in the early stages of his return. There’s also the question of how his presence will affect the spacing and offensive flow that the Knicks have established in his absence.
As we approach February, the anticipation for Robinson’s return grows. His reintegration could be a key factor in the Knicks’ push for a strong playoff position. The team’s ability to effectively utilize Robinson’s strengths while maintaining their current chemistry will be crucial in the coming months.
For more insights and a deeper dive into Mitchell Robinson’s potential return and its implications for the Knicks, tune into the Locked On Knicks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Knicks Podcast:
• Analysis of Robinson’s defensive impact and efficiency
• Comparison of Robinson’s stats with Julius Randle to KAT’s with Rudy Gobert
• Potential lineup configurations with Robinson’s return
Jan 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives for a shot past Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center. | Bill Streicher/Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the rest of the NBA season could just be various instances spent listening to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander go WOOOO to varying decibels and degrees of excitement? It would be, to borrow from a master gone too soon, Lynchian.
If not that, then to watch the Thunder and Cavaliers play each other, over and over, until April 13th. I suspect we still wouldn’t have our fill of these two teams but don’t fret, we’d have a riveting seven game series. Each game a competitive and tight feast for the eyes.
To really get an understanding of how, though relentless pressuring and seamless switching, the Thunder have run away with the first overall defensive rating. That even against a team like Cleveland who pride themselves on the way they’re able to take care of the ball, and their communication skills, OKC can pluck the ball out of the hands of an opponent on a fastbreak, a drive, as if they were walking right up to a kid and taking candy from their hands.
Of course, this all makes it sound like watching these two teams in perpetuity is going to look heavily lopsided for the Thunder. The matchup last night was a wallop for the West, for sure, but Cleveland showed why they’ve been coolly leading the East and the entire league. Rainbow threes from Mitchell, light lobs over the heads of every Thunder player — just then upturned to watch — between Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen, and fadeaway shots from the corner care of Max Strus.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Must Read The latest voting results could see the Knicks sending Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson to the All-Star Game. Their strong performances have earned them significant fan support. Voting results are in, and the excitement is palpable. (Posting and Toasting)
Fans Knicks fans were elated after the team’s thrilling overtime win over the 76ers. Exclusive post-game reactions reveal the community’s excitement and support for the squad’s resilience. Post-game reactions highlight the vibrant fan experience. (Posting and Toasting)
Ranking In the latest NBA power rankings, the New York Knicks’ positioning reflects their recent performances and strategic plays. The team’s development and prospects are evaluated in depth. Check out the power rankings for comprehensive insights. (Bleacher Report)
Preview The Timberwolves play the Knicks in New York at 7:30 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Basketball News Roundup: The Tanking In Utah
Jan 11, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) looks on against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | Joe Camporeale/Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers are taking tanking to a whole new level. The Jazz have been sitting players like John Collins, Lauri Markkanen, and Walker Kessler for various reasons. While I understand the incentives for tanking, the odds of getting the number one pick are not high. The NBA has been cracking down on teams resting healthy players, but these two franchises seem to be pushing the boundaries.
As a fantasy analyst, I’ve been advising people to avoid high picks from these teams due to the risk of shutdowns and reduced playing time. It’s frustrating to see this level of blatant tanking, especially when it impacts fantasy basketball managers.
The Memphis Grizzlies are another team to watch, with Ja Morant constantly appearing on the injury report. While they’re not tanking like Utah and Portland, Morant’s frequent injuries are concerning for fantasy managers.
In other news, Donte DiVincenzo is out with a toe sprain for the Knicks, which could lead to increased minutes for Mike Conley. However, I wouldn’t rush to add Conley in most leagues.
NBA East Squad: Luka Doncic Shocking Trade, Jimmy Butler Rumors, and a Bulls Full Reset
In this episode of the Locked On NBA Eastern Conference Squad Show, hosts Sean Woodley, Tony East, Danny Cunningham, Wes Goldberg, and others discuss the shocking Luka Doncic trade to the Lakers. They analyze the Mavericks’ decision-making process and potential motivations behind the trade. The conversation shifts to Eastern Conference trade rumors, focusing on Jimmy Butler’s potential move from the Miami Heat. The panel explores possible destinations for Butler and speculates on other teams’ trade deadline strategies, including the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic. The episode concludes with a rapid-fire round where hosts predict player-team pairings for the upcoming trade deadline, offering insights into potential moves across the league.
Jalen Brunson ANNIHILATES The Houston Rockets In A Big New York Knicks Win
Gavin Schall is joined by Geoff Rasmussen the co-host of the fantastic Hot Hand Theory Podcast to discuss Jalen Brunson’s heroics in a thrilling Knicks win over the Houston Rockets. Gavin and Geoff dive deep into a lineup change that helped key Brunson’s electric final minutes, the health, play and long term plan for Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges propping up the Knicks with his two way play and a scintillating 1st half run for Ariel Hukporti.
OG Anunoby Seemingly Avoids Serious Injury... And LUKA IS A LAKER???
Alex and Gavin break down the weekend that was for the Knicks, which featured a let-down loss to the Lakers and an OG Anunoby injury scare -- luckily, one that seems to be more of the “sprain” variety than something more severe. But first, the guys need to talk about maybe the most shocking NBA trade of all time, with Luka Doncic going to the Lakers and Anthony Davis heading to the Mavericks.
