The New York Knicks' season just began, but they are already injury-managing center Mitchell Robinson. Unlike last season, however, Mitchell isn't returning from a major injury. Instead, the Knicks are taking a more cautious approach with Robinson in hopes of keeping him healthy throughout the season.
This might seem like an overly cautious approach by New York, but Robinson missed the first three months of last season. Keeping him healthy should be a major priority for New York, given what is at stake for them.
They have assembled their best team in more than 25 years and have as clear a path in the Eastern Conference as they probably are ever going to get. If a healthy Robinson makes them even 10% more likely to have a deep playoff run, then load managing him in October could pay off come June.
The Knicks must keep Mitchell Robinson healthy at all costs
Robinson might only be the fifth or sixth most talented player on the Knicks, but he plays an outsized role on the team. He is key to their defensive success, being their best defensive big man.
He is a solid rim protector and a monster on the glass, helping anchor the Knicks on that end of the floor. He played a key role against the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals last season.
Robinson crashed the offensive glass, creating extra opportunities for himself and teammates, and kept the Pacers from getting out in transition. They were also better defensively with him on the floor. Those things may not make him a star, but they make him crucial to New York.
Mitchell Robinson has all the incentive in the world to stay healthy
Robinson staying healthy in a contract year is key to him earning a pay raise. He's making $13.5 million this season, and the starting rate for starting centers is around $20 million annually.
He may not be worth that to another team given his injury history, but if he can be durable this season, then he might get a contract extension from the Knicks. They would probably have to have some heavy incentives to protect them in case of recurring injuries.
Something like a four-year, $80 million deal with $75 million guaranteed and $5 million in incentives based on goals such as games played would be a great contract for the Knicks. If he stays healthy, then that potential contract would look even better, especially with large projected raises to the salary cap.
If he can't, then that contract wouldn't be a massive albatross. That is perhaps putting the cart before the horse, with the Knicks focused on making the most of this season, and a big key to that is Robinson—if they can keep him healthy.