The New York Knicks are gearing up for the NBA Finals, yet an injury issue has emerged involving backup big man Mitchell Robinson. Reports from ESPN indicate that Robinson needed surgery due to a broken right pinkie finger. This news has caused concern among fans about his availability for the series, as missing Robinson would significantly impact the team’s strength against formidable opponents from the Western Conference.
Stephen A. Smith, a noted Knicks supporter and ESPN analyst, revealed that he first heard of the injury from DJ Clue, a hip-hop artist, via a text message. On his show “First Take,” Smith emphasized the importance of Robinson participating in the Finals while discussing with colleagues Jay Williams and Brian Windhorst. Smith expressed frustration, stating Robinson should be focused on recovery through methods like cold plunges and hyperbaric chambers rather than being sidelined due to a pinkie injury.
Smith invoked the memory of Ronnie Lott, a former NFL Hall of Famer, who famously chose to amputate a finger to continue playing. While acknowledging Robinson’s below-average free-throw performance of 50%, Smith praised his rebounding and defensive capabilities. He was adamant that Robinson should play, stating, “Wrap that bad boy up. Splinter it. I don’t give a damn what you gotta do! It’s the Finals!”
New York undoubtedly needs all available players for the Finals, particularly with the prospect of facing the Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs, both of whom have skilled big men. The Thunder’s impressive frontcourt includes Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, while the Spurs boast the well-known talent of Victor Wembanyama. Robinson’s presence would add depth, essential for supporting starters like Karl-Anthony Towns against such challenging opposition.
Despite Robinson’s free-throw shooting struggles, the Knicks have managed to rest following 11 consecutive victories, culminating in a sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers. According to Shams Charania, Robinson “fully plans to play” in Game 1, scheduled for Wednesday, June 3. This offers him some recovery time to get his finger ready for the critical matchups ahead.
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