Get ready for a new era of load management with the Knicks and their star player, Mitchell Robinson!
The Knicks are pulling out all the stops to ensure Robinson's health and longevity on the court. With a history of injuries, the team is taking a proactive approach, and it's a strategy that's sure to spark some debate among fans and analysts alike.
The Bubble Wrap Treatment
Under new coach Mike Brown, the Knicks are implementing a rigorous load management plan for Robinson, who has often been sidelined due to injuries. In the preseason, Robinson was held out of several games, and even in the exhibition finale, he remained inactive despite being healthy.
This approach is not without controversy. While load management is a common strategy in the NBA, the extent to which the Knicks are employing it has raised some eyebrows. Brown himself acknowledged that Robinson would have played if it were a regular-season or playoff game, indicating a more cautious approach during the preseason.
The Performance Group's Influence
The decision to hold Robinson out was influenced by Casey Smith, who leads the team's performance group. Smith advised the team to rest the 7-foot-1 rim protector and offensive rebounder. When asked about the reasoning behind this move, Brown deferred to the expertise of the performance group, indicating that the specifics were above his pay grade.
A Plan for the Regular Season?
As for the regular season, Brown admitted that he wasn't privy to a specific plan regarding Robinson's minutes and games played. This lack of clarity could be a cause for concern for some fans, but it also highlights the fluid nature of load management strategies, which often adapt based on a player's health and performance.
The Impact of Robinson's Health
Robinson's health is a critical factor in the Knicks' success. Last year, he appeared in just 17 regular-season games, but when he did play, he made an impact. In the playoffs, he helped the Knicks reach the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years, averaging 4.7 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, with a NET rating of plus-2.7.
His presence on the court is invaluable, and it's no surprise that the Knicks are going the extra mile to keep him there.
A Dynamic Duo?
Robinson has started in the three preseason games he's played, and Brown is considering using him in tandem with Karl-Anthony Towns, possibly even in the starting lineup. This pairing could provide an exciting dynamic, as Brown believes it will allow Towns more freedom to move around different positions, making it harder for opposing defenses to focus solely on him as the starting center.
Starting Towns at the four position gives the Knicks added length and versatility, which could be a game-changer.
The Future of the Knicks
With Robinson's health a priority, the Knicks are hoping to see him shine in the upcoming season. His performance, especially in tandem with Towns, could be a key factor in the team's success. The potential for an exciting and productive pairing is certainly there, as evidenced by their plus-4.4 NET rating together in the 165 playoff minutes last spring.
So, will this load management strategy pay off for the Knicks? Only time will tell, but it's a bold move that could shape the team's future. What do you think? Should the Knicks be more aggressive with their star player's health, or is this a smart, long-term strategy? Let us know in the comments!
