New York Knicks Apply for Disabled Player Exception as Mitchell Robinson Faces Season-Ending Injury

The New York Knicks have officially submitted an application to the NBA for a disabled player exception worth $7.8 million. This comes as a result of center Mitchell Robinson’s projected absence for the remainder of the season due to a left ankle injury that required surgery. League sources confirmed this development on Wednesday.

Robinson underwent surgery last week after sustaining the injury during the Knicks’ game against the Boston Celtics on December 8. Initially, the team announced that Robinson would be re-evaluated in eight to 10 weeks.

The New York Knicks have applied to the NBA for a Disabled Player Exception worth $7.8 million as the franchise projects center Mitchell Robinson will miss the rest of the season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Major development as Robinson had ankle surgery last week. pic.twitter.com/8EvjWfI9qA

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 21, 2023

Despite missing significant playing time in recent seasons, Robinson had a healthy start to the 2023-24 season, starting in all 21 games. He led the league with an impressive average of 5.3 offensive rebounds per game and contributed 6.2 points, 1.3 blocks, and 10.3 total rebounds per game, while also being a defensive anchor for the Knicks.

Understanding the Disabled Player Exception

The disabled player exception is a valuable benefit that teams can receive when a player suffers a long-term injury. In order for the New York Knicks to be granted this exception, the NBA’s medical professionals must determine that Robinson is likely to be out until June 15 or later.

The disabled player exception is worth half of the injured player’s salary, which in this case amounts to $7.8 million. It can be utilized as either a trade exception or a free-agent exception, allowing the Knicks to sign or trade for a player with a salary of up to $7.8 million without having to send any additional money out. If the exception is used to sign a player, the contract can only be for one year. If it is used for a trade, the acquired player must have an expiring contract.

Implications Beyond Salary Cap

The Knicks’ decision to apply for the disabled player exception suggests that there may be a change in the long-term outlook for Robinson’s recovery. Initially, the team projected his re-evaluation to occur between February 5 and February 19. However, the final determination rests with the league’s medical professionals, indicating that the Knicks’ medical team may have extended Robinson’s recovery timeline by approximately four months.

Next Steps for the Knicks

Previously, the Knicks had no immediate plans to address Robinson’s absence, as Isaiah Hartenstein had been performing admirably in his place. Despite Robinson’s importance to the team’s defense and rebounding, the Knicks managed to achieve a 4-2 record without him.

However, if Robinson is indeed ruled out for the rest of the season, the Knicks may need to reconsider their strategy. Jericho Sims, who started in the five games following Robinson’s injury, is currently dealing with an ankle injury of his own. Taj Gibson provided valuable minutes as a backup center during the Knicks’ recent victory over the Brooklyn Nets.

While Hartenstein has proven to be an exceptional backup center, relying on him for 48 minutes every night is not a sustainable solution. The Knicks have aspirations of making the playoffs and achieving success, which becomes significantly more challenging without Robinson’s presence.

Recovery Journey for Robinson

This injury is a setback not only for the Knicks but also for Mitchell Robinson himself. He was having a breakout season before getting injured and had made a strong case for All-Defense recognition. Despite blocking fewer shots, Robinson’s improved discipline and rim protection skills were evident. His presence in the paint deterred opposing players from driving to the basket, leading to missed shots and disrupted offensive plays.

Robinson’s offensive contributions were also noteworthy, particularly in terms of offensive rebounding. He led the league in offensive rebound rate and played a crucial role in the Knicks’ offensive strategy. While Hartenstein possesses similar skills as an offensive rebounder, Robinson’s unique ability to pressure the glass will be sorely missed.

Now, it is up to Hartenstein to fill the void left by Robinson’s absence.

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