The New York Knicks' center depth is going to be put to the test early this season.
Fox Sports' Yaron Weitzman reported on Monday that starting center Mitchell Robinson is still recovery from a May foot surgery.
According to Weitzman, Robinson won't be ready for the start of the season, with the Knicks targeting a December or January return, depending on how Robinson's rehab progresses.
It's not an entirely surprising update, as SNY's Ian Begley had previously reported in August that Robinson was not yet doing load-bearing exercises on his foot. Robinson's status for the season-opener against the Boston Celtics on October 22 was already in doubt.
It's nonetheless a disheartening update, given Robinson's importance to the Knicks.
If Robinson were to return on January 1, he would still miss the Knicks' first 31 games. It's entirely possible that Robinson once again misses over half the season, just one year after playing only 31 games.
In the meantime, it will be a major test on the Knicks' already-thin center rotation. Behind Robinson are Precious Achiuwa and Jericho Sims.
While Achiuwa played big minutes for the Knicks last season because of injuries, he is still a developing player. He is also a little bit undersized to play center full-time.
Sims has the natural build of a center, but has played sparingly, appearing in 138 games over three seasons. He has occasionally had to play big minutes because of injuries, but never full-time, and not for a team with championship aspirations.
Given Achiuwa's size limitations — and going off head coach Tom Thibodeau's past adjustments — Sims may begin the season as the starting center. Sims started 11 games last year because of injuries.
Thibodeau may also be forced to get an early look at "small" lineups, with Julius Randle at center. Thibodeau previously opened up about trying those looks, and it may be especially important with Robinson out. The Knicks' small lineups would allow them to play more of their two-way guards and wings, which is the strength of the roster.
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