Mitchell Robinson

Knicks exercise team option on Mitchell Robinson, waive Norvel Pelle

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Mitchell Robinson

The New York Knicks exercised the $1.8 million team option on center Mitchell Robinson for next season, the team announced on Saturday.

The move maintained Knicks’ large cap space that can reach roughly $53 million entering Monday’s free agency depending on what they do with their free agents.

Robinson will become an unrestricted free agent next summer if the Knicks and his camp cannot agree on a contract extension until the end of next season. The 23-year old center is coming off a pair of serious injuries that limited him to a career-low 31 games last season. He is eligible to sign a four-year extension worth $51 million, according to ESPN’s NBA front office insider Bobby Marks.

Meanwhile, backup center Norvel Pelle, who joined the Knicks late in the season, was waived. Pelle signed a non-guaranteed $2.2 million, two-year deal after his second 10-day contract expired. This move came on the heels of the Knicks selecting Texas Longhorn’s athletic big man Jericho Sims at the backend of the NBA Draft.

On another note, today is the trigger date that guarantees Julius Randle’s $19.8 million salary. The Knicks can tender a four-year $106 million extension this offseason. But Randle can opt for a shorter deal or play out this season for a possible larger payday next summer.

Randle is coming off a career season where he became a first-time NBA All-Star and capped it off with the Most Improved Player award, and a spot in the All-NBA second team.

Follow this writer on Twitter: @alderalmo

 

Knicks could build tantalizing front-court with one off-season acquisition

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New York Knicks, Mitchell Robinson

The most efficient method of building a strong team this off-season is simple for the New York Knicks, don’t part ways with significant assets to acquire a player in a trade, but rather utilize available funds to bolster the team while approaching the draft with one impact prospect in mind. Simply put, the Knicks don’t have enough roster spots to field three more rookies as developmental projects, so pairing their selections together and targeting one in a trade-up would be a more beneficial move.

With that being said, President Leon Rose has $50+ million to work with this off-season in addition to his draft selections, meaning the Knicks can easily bolster their squad without selling the farm for a player like point guard Damian Lillard. As attractive as he is, if the front office has learned anything from the Carmelo Anthony trade, it is that one star player cannot win a championship alone. Even Michael Jordan needed Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman.

Some might make the argument that Lillard and Julius Randle together would equate a championship caliber team, but they would have little in terms of complementary pieces to work around them. Just look what the Brooklyn Nets accomplished spending money and not giving away valuable draft and personnel pieces.

However, I want to shift our attention over to the frontcourt where the Knicks had issues during the postseason due to a lack of physicality and offensive production. With Mitchell Robinson going down with a fractured foot, head coach Tom Thibodeau was forced to operate with Nerlens Noel and Taj Gibson. While both big men played valiantly, they lacked in specific categories, notably on the offensive side.

Finding another solid center to play alongside Robinson should be a priority for New York this off-season, and one player that stands out is Jarrett Allen, who was traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Cleveland Cavaliers last year.

According to Bobby Marks of ESPN:

Cleveland could let Allen shop for an offer sheet but unlike Capela, who entered a tough market with few options, Allen is likely to have plenty of suitors, ranging from Charlotte to New York and Toronto.

At 23 years old, Allen averaged 12.8 points, 10 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and connected on .618 of his shots from the field. At such a young age, Allen has plenty of quality basketball ahead of him, and with Robinson in the final year of his rookie deal, having two adequate options in the paint will give the Knicks plenty of value.

Clearly, it is necessary for a physical team that relies on defense to have two solid big men available, and guaranteeing Allen would stay for multiple years would give the Knicks a bit of comfort if Mitch doesn’t play to expectations this season.

I believe pairing these two together would be a tremendous addition for New York, solidifying their frontcourt alongside Julius Randle. With the work rate that Thibodeau commands, both players could average upwards of 25 minutes per game, keeping both fresh and fatigue-free as the latter portion of the season commences and intensity is turned up a few notches.

Of course, it ultimately boils down to price point, and I don’t believe Allen will command a massive payday, giving the Knicks a good opportunity to grab him off the market early.

What do you think about pairing Mitchell Robinson with Jarrett Allen? Comment below!

Knicks News, 6/26: Mitchell Robinson putting on serious muscle, Jared Butler a big draft target?

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New York Knicks, Mitchell Robinson

One of the Knicks’ major struggles in the postseason was their lack of size and strength at the center position. Both Nerlens Noel and Taj Gibson lacked the functional strength to take on Clint Capela in the paint in the first round against the Atlanta Hawks.

In fact, Capella recorded no less than 12 total rebounds in each of the five games against New York, reaching a high of five offensive rebounds in Game 5. It was clear that the Knicks were lacking a threat inside, and the hope is Mitchell Robinson will end up being that force during the 2021-22 season.

Robinson is listed at 240 pounds, but he has been working diligently to increase his weight and physicality down low. Via his Instagram, Robinson is now 275 pounds of muscle, which should help him tremendously when boxing out bigger defenders and picking up rebounds.

This past season, Robinson played in just 31 games after suffering a fractured hand earlier in the year and then a fractured foot in the latter portion. He averaged 8.3 points, 1.5 blocks, and 8.1 total rebounds while shooting .653 from the field. Ultimately, the Knicks missed his impact during the postseason, despite Noel and Gibson playing valiantly during his absence.

Robinson is heading into the final year of his rookie contract after the team picked up his option. They will pay him $1.8 million for the upcoming year at 23 years old, and if he performs well, he could receive an extension. There’s always the possibility the Knicks look to flip Robinson and assets for a player like Pacers’ Myles Turner, who offers more offensive prowess and fantastic shot-blocking in the paint, averaging 3.4 blocks per contest this past season.

HOT KNICKS NEWS:

–Should the Knicks retain Derrick Rose and at what cost?

–Tom Thibodeau details what Knicks are looking for in draft

Are the Knicks keying in on Jared Butler out of Baylor?

Baylor point guard Jared Butler could be on the Knicks’ wish list during the 2021 NBA draft. At 6’3” and 195 pounds, Butler has been compared to players like Jrue Holiday, Fred VanVleet, and Seth Curry, but of course, there’s no guarantee he will reach their production levels.

The most intriguing aspect Jared offers is his winning mentality and strong resume. As a First-Team All-American who won the National Championship and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA tournament, he not only offers versatility and quality offensive play from all points on the floor, but he is a legitimate leader that puts forth incredible effort on defense. Despite an underwhelming frame, his workload masks some of his deficiencies.

“My goal, if a team drafts me, is I want to fit their needs,” Butler said. “Whatever they’re lacking, what can I do to plug that gap or hole in their organization? That’s what I plan on doing. Just be reliable and be an impactful player.”

The Knicks have a significant hole at point guard and could use another solid shooter, and Butler offers the flexibility to feature in both spots. This past season, Butler averaged 16.7 points, 4.8 assists, and shot .471 from the field. He also connected on .416 of his shots from three, averaging 6.2 attempts per game. It is clear he can score from all points on the floor, which is exactly what the Knicks need from their point guard position.

Would you be happy if the Knicks selected Jared Butler out of Baylor? Comment below!

Knicks News, 6/23: Big decisions coming up for Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson

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new york knicks, julius randle

The New York Knicks are headed into a summer full of questions and exciting decisions. Of course, having $50+ million to spend in free agency represents major positives, as long as the front office manages to select the right players and not trade away any significant assets.

The team must decide on a few free agents of their own, including Reggie Bullock, Nerlens Noel, Alec Burks, and Taj Gibson. Letting all four walk would open up plenty of money to attack the off-season with a star in mind, but there is the possibility they look to retain some of those players. They would also have to renounce Derrick Rose, which would be an unfortunate loss considering his performance this past season.

In the final year of a two-year contract he signed with the Detroit Pistons, Rose averaged 14.9 points, 4.2 assists, and shot .487 from the field at 32 years old in New York. He also hit a career-high 41% of his three-point attempts. The Knicks would undoubtedly love to retain the point guard, but he could command lofty money after a stellar campaign — he’s earned it!

The Knicks have a few big-time decisions regarding some of the best players:

According to Bobby Marks of ESPN, the Knicks have about a month to make a decision on Julius Randle, which should be an easy one:

Randle’s $19.8 million contract becomes fully guaranteed if he is not waived by July 31.

Randle is coming off one of the most lucrative seasons in Knicks history, averaging 24.1 points, 6.0 assists, 10.2 rebounds, and shot .456 from the field. He also saw his three-point percentage balloon to .411% on 5.5 attempts per game. He set career highs in nearly every category, showcasing he is capable of being a star in New York, but the Knicks need to pair him with another star, specifically at PG.

President Leon Rose could consider offering Randle a max-extension now, which would likely be at-cost compared to the deal they might have to offer next offseason ($100M+). At 26 years old, getting the deal done now might be more efficient, as the salary cap is capable of handling multiple max-contracts — just look at the Nets. The Knicks don’t stumble upon All-Star caliber players very often, so locking the only one they have on the roster down would be advisable.  

In addition, the Knicks also must choose a path for Mitchell Robinson, who’s headed into the final year of his rookie contract:

New York has until Aug. 1 to exercise the $1.8 million team option of Mitchell Robinson.

Robinson spent the majority of the 2020–21 season on injured reserve. The 23-year-old center played in just 31 games, suffering a fractured hand early in the season and a fractured foot immediately after his return. While he was on the floor, though, he averaged 8.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game.

The Knicks view Robinson as an integral piece for the future, but his inability to stay healthy has hurt their optimism. It is possible they unload him in a trade scenario, but they can also pick up his team option, which will pay him just $1.8 million next season. In that case, they will likely gauge his production and consider extending him on a long-term deal, but he must remain healthy before they commit to him in that fashion.

What do YOU think? Should the Knicks max out Randle now and pick up Robinson’s team option? Comment below!

Knicks News, 6/13: Mitchell Robinson returns to practice, should Derrick Rose be a priority signing?

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New York Knicks, Mitchell Robinson

The New York Knicks have an exciting yet lengthy off-season ahead of them, having already been knocked out of the postseason by the Atlanta Hawks. A few decisions internally have to be made on players either returning or leaving in free agency. Of course, the organization will be connected to the majority of big names on the market, including Chris Paul, Kawhi Leonard, and even a potential trade for Damian Lillard.

Let’s take a break from the external news and take a look at Mitchell Robinson and Derrick Rose.

Mitchell Robinson returns to practice:

Robinson is finally returning to practice after missing the past few months with a fractured foot. The Knicks young center fractured his hand early in the campaign, and shortly after returning, he suffered a significant foot injury that kept him out for the entire postseason. This occurred on March 28, so the Knicks supplemented his loss with Taj Gibson, who played admirably against Atlanta.

Nonetheless, Mitchell was sorely missed in the series, as the Hawks had more size in the paint with Clint Capela, and the Knicks were unable to fight him off on the boards.

Robinson only played in 31 games last season, averaging 8.3 points, 1.5 blocks, at 8.1 total rebounds. He was a catalyst when on the floor for New York, offering them size and energy from the center position. Ultimately, this series against Atlanta might’ve been different if they had Robinson, and hopefully, he can remain healthy for the season ahead. He currently has just one year left on his rookie deal, as the Knicks has a club option, fully guaranteed for the 2021-22 season. They will undoubtedly pick up that option for the 22-year-old, and hopefully, he can remain healthy and justify an extension.

Should the Knicks prioritize retaining Derrick Rose?

One of the biggest questions for the Knicks this off-season is the retention of Derrick Rose. Rose was phenomenal for the Knicks since being acquired at the trade deadline from Detroit. Without him, they would’ve never competed against Atlanta over five games, and he was directly responsible for their surge at the end of the season. He averaged 14.9 points, 4.2 assists, and shot .487 from the field. He also set a career-high with a .411 three-point percentage over 2.6 attempts per game.

Rose is coming off a two-year, $15 million deal, and while he primarily comes off the bench, the Knicks could retain him in a sixth man role. Keeping him on a one-year, $7 million deal might get the job done, and based on how he performed last year and how he pushed through injuries, retaining one of their premier leaders and bench players could be considered a priority.

Alternatively, the team added Argentinian Luca Vildoza on a four-year deal, so they could be looking to him to supplement the loss of Rose, which is justifiable.

History suggests Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson is likely done for the season

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Ben Simmons missed an entire season. Brook Lopez missed 100 games. Kevin Durant only played 27 games during the 2014-15 season.

History suggests that New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson could be facing an uphill climb in his recovery from his latest injury.

Lopez, Simmons, and Durant were the latest NBA players standing 6-10 and above who successfully recovered from a fractured fifth metatarsal in their foot or most commonly known as Jones fracture, which Robinson suffered last week.

Likely done for the season

On Monday, the Knicks announced that he had a successful surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. The team did not offer any timetable for his recovery.

Dr. Martin O’Malley, HSS’s noted NBA players’ orthopedic surgeon who performed the surgery on the three players mentioned above and likely on Robinson, begged off to comment on this story.

But a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist offered a bleak forecast of a Robinson comeback this season.

“If [Knicks] were being cautious, then yes [Robinson is likely done for the season]. Of course, it depends on the severity, but to undergo foot surgery this late in the season is typically season-ending. If he plays, it may be restricted play (minute restriction/load management). However, I don’t know if they’d want to do that with a young, dynamic player,” Dr. Ernest Eusebio told Empire Sports Media. 

Recovery time

The recovery can take an entire year, according to Dr. Eusebio, the founder of the Jersey City-based Wolves Performance & Lifestyle Collective, an all-encompassing high-performance consultancy providing solutions in Professional Sport, Entertainment, & Fortune 500.

“It could very well be 9-12 months until he returns to the court unrestricted, pending success of rehab & player’s ability to return to NBA shape,” he said. “[Knicks] said his surgery was successful, which could mean at best he may be back for the offseason in 4-6 months, but that does not necessarily mean playing time due to the nature of the game,” Dr. Eusebio said. “Full recovery is typically a 6-9 month window.”

Dr. Eusebio, who has worked with NBA, MLB, NFL athletes, and Olympians, is not discounting the possibility of a postseason return for Robinson, giving him a 3-4 month time frame for recovery.

“It would be amazing to see him late in the first round of the playoffs, and it wouldn’t surprise me with [Tom Thibodeau]. But I believe it’s more likely that he plays in the second round if the Knicks make it which will be a huge asset,” he added.

Pau Gasol was another 7-footer who had the same injury when he was 26. He returned in four months in 2006. But Memphis put him in a 25-minute restriction. Former Washington Wizards’ 6-11 forward Andray Blatche also broke his foot in late June of 2010 and was back in early October for the training camp.

What is Jones fracture?

Dr. Eusebio, who earned the “Best in Patient Care” award from the American Health Council in 2018, explained that the regional blood supply in that area isn’t the greatest. That’s why a surgical repair is necessary to return to high levels of performance.

“A fifth metatarsal fracture that requires surgery is more often than not a Jones fracture, which hints that a break may have occurred along the shaft of the bone, proximal to the base,” explained Dr. Ernest Eusebio.

Wikimedia commons

“This is an unfortunate injury to deal with as an explosive player due to the foot’s vital role in jumping and running. Rehab is usually initiated non-weight bearing, and as pain decreases and bone healing occurs, Mitchell [Robinson] should be progressively loading his foot and sports specific movements accordingly – which can take some time,” Dr. Eusebio added.

The average missed time in the NBA for this type of injury is roughly 39 games, according to sports injury expert and certified athletic trainer Jeff Stotts who operates the website instreetclothes.com, which breaks down typical sports injuries for the fans. But as history suggests, the recovery period is longer for big men.

If there’s one thing going for Robinson, it’s his age. The 7-foot-center just turned 23 Thursday.

Simmons was 20 when he broke his foot. Durant was 26 when he had Jones fracture and was coming off his MVP season. Lopez was the same age as Robinson when he suffered the injury.

Bad timing

The injury’s timing couldn’t come at the worst possible time as the Knicks are in the thick of a playoff hunt, and Robinson is eligible for a contract extension this summer.

Robinson, who has been durable in his first two seasons —only missing a total of 21 games—has already undergone surgery twice this season. The Knicks went 9-6 without him earlier in the season while recovering from a broken hand. They have lost their last two games since he went down with his latest injury, which he suffered in Milwaukee ironically against Lopez.

The Knicks have signed Norvel Pelle to a 10-day contract for their 14th roster spot as insurance if Nerlens Noel or Taj Gibson misses time. They have pivoted from Andre Drummond, who eventually signed with the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers, because they are still holding out hope on Robinson.

The Knicks front office wants to see more of Robinson, according to Ian Begley of SNY.

Can Robinson return to old form?

While it may take longer to recover, there’s no evidence to suggest that Robinson will not return his old form.

Lopez, Durant, and Simmons all survived and thrived after the injury. Only Rasheed Wallace, who was 38 and at the tail end of his career in 2013 with the Knicks, was forced to retire because of the same type of injury.

A study on NBA players who suffered Jones fracture from 1994 to 2013 has encouraging results for Robinson.

“Four of the 26 (15%) players did not return to play in a subsequent NBA game after the season in which a Jones fracture was sustained. Twenty-four of 26 (92%) athletes were treated with operative fixation, and three players (12%) underwent secondary reoperation. Recurrence of the injury was experienced by five players (19%),” said the study published online in 2015 in the national library of medicine.

Lopez and Durant were the fourth and fifth NBA players who had re-surgery. Durant even had a third surgery. Simmons avoided it after he underwent a bone marrow injection.

Robinson’s value takes a hit

Robinson has a $1.8 million team option, which the Knicks will likely exercise next season to make him a restricted free agent and buy them some more time to evaluate him.

Some teams were interested in trading for Robinson at the trade deadline, according to Begley. Those teams will likely take a wait-and-see approach after this latest setback in the young big man’s career.

Certainly, Robinson’s market value has taken a hit with his latest injury. But that should be further from Robinson’s mind as he needs to focus on his recovery. His performance after this injury will dictate his next contract—whether that will be with the Knicks or another team.

Follow this writer on Twitter: @alderalmo

How the Knicks will supplement the massive loss of Mitchell Robinson

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nerlens noel, new york knicks

The New York Knicks are still unsure if center Mitchell Robinson will be able to return from a fractured fifth metatarsal in his right foot this season. After landing awkwardly in the Knicks’ win over the Milwaukee Bucks several days ago, there is no timetable set for Robinson’s return. In fact, there’s a solid chance he misses the remainder of the 2020-21 season, which would significantly hurt the starting five and force the team to supplement with veterans.

Before Mitchell’s injury, he was averaging 8.3 points and a career-high 8.1 total rebounds, making his way back from a fractured hand injury. Clearly, this is not Robinson’s year, but luckily the Knicks have a few solid pieces to supplement his loss.

However, Robinson has one more year on his deal, a club option for the 2021 season, and it seems as if the Knicks will ride out the remainder of his rookie contract before considering an extension. There was a reason to believe that if Robinson performed well and remained healthy, he would’ve received an extension, but clearly, that won’t be the case.

In his absence, head coach Tom Thibodeau will roll with Nerlens Noel and Taj Gibson. Noel has been phenomenal this season as a rotational piece at center, averaging 5.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and a career-high 2.0 blocks per game. His defense has been incredible, starting more games this year than any of the previous three seasons.

Unfortunately, the Knicks were unable to lure  Andre Drummond to New York, as he elected to take his talents to the Los Angeles Lakers. Drummond would’ve been a phenomenal addition, but the Knicks aren’t yet appealing to players looking for new teams mid-season.

In addition to Noel, Gibson also offers a strong presence on the interior. While he is past his prime at 35 years old, he’s averaging 4.6 points over 19.2 minutes but is a physical rebounder and savvy veteran. The only problem with the Knicks’ current plan is that both Noel and Gibson are more rotational pieces based on their age and durability.

One free-agent piece that could be worth exploring is DeMarcus Cousins, and considering his connection with Kenny Payne during his time at Kentucky, there could be an increased interest.

However, Cousins has gone into his fair share of trouble, and while he doesn’t offer elite defense, he is a solid offensive piece that can provide double-digit scoring per game. At this point, New York is running out of options, and everything must be on the table.

Knicks absorb tough Mitchell Robinson injury news

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knicks, mitchell robinson

Losing big man Mitchell Robinson will prove to be significant for the New York Knicks, who desperately need his influence and impact on the floor. While New York went toe to toe with the Miami Heat on Monday evening in a defensive contest, they missed Robinson’s energy and ability to score from the paint.

Robinson had been recovering from a fractured hand he suffered a few weeks ago, and in his first game back fractured the fifth metatarsal in his foot, requiring surgery.

Losing Robinson will force the Knicks to rely on Taj Gibson and the Nerlens Noel more frequently, and while both are capable of holding it down in his absence, their upside is limited significantly.

The injury was a result of Robinson battling with Milwaukee center Brook Lopez in the post. As the pass came in-bounds to Lopez, Mitchell tried to swipe it away, landing awkwardly on his right foot and immediately collapsing to the ground in obvious pain. He was taken out and underwent MRIs, which indicated a fracture.

A timeline for Robinson’s return has not yet been set, so he could be out for the remainder of the season with about two months left until the playoffs commence. This health-trend of his is a bit worrisome, especially since he only has one year left on his contract. New York has a club option for the 2021 season, which they must pick up by June 29. He will count $1.8 million against the salary, a low number that will likely see the Knicks retain him moving forward.

This season, Robinson is averaging 8.3 points, 8.1 total rebounds, and is shooting .653 from the field. He’s also averaging a career-high 1.1 steals, showing off his versatility and defensive prowess.

Ultimately, the Knicks see Robinson as a building block and part of their future, but if he can’t remain healthy, they will have to begin entertaining alternative avenues.

Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson’s frustration spills over onto social media

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Mitchell Robinson

The New York Knicks might have taken down the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday evening, but they once again lost one of their premium players. Center Mitchell Robinson, who just found his way back from a fractured hand, suffered a fractured foot against Milwaukee, which will likely keep him out for the next few weeks, if not months.

Robinson had waited weeks to come back from his hand issue, showing excitement and new energy when on the floor. In the win, Robinson only played six minutes before going down, scoring two points and recording a steal. The Knicks managed to walk away with a 102-96 victory, mainly thanks to Milwaukee featuring a majority of backups.

Robinson expressed his dejection following the game, specifically stating that he’s taken a beating all season long.

Mitch went on to complain about the video, watching it over and over to see exactly what happened with his foot. This seems to be just bad luck for a player that has been relatively healthy leading up to the 2020-21 season.

On the season, Robinson is averaging 8.3 points, 1.1 steals, 1.5 blocks, and 8.1 rebounds over 27.5 minutes per game. With the loss of Robinson, the Knicks might have to consider former Cleveland Cavaliers center Andre Drummond more realistically.

The Cavaliers recently bought out Drummond, who is a free agent and looking to sign with a new team. While he would only count the minimum for New York, they might like to sign him to a long-term deal if he chooses to come to the Mecca.

With the loss of Robinson, Drummond would be a solid addition, especially with his offensive prowess and ability in the paint. So far this season, Drummond is averaging 17.5 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks. Head coach Tom Thibodeau was worried about a disruption in chemistry, but with Robinson expected to be out for quite some time, Drummond makes perfect sense.

Mitchell Robinson’s latest injury comes at a critical time for Knicks

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Derrick Rose choked up.

“I’m lost for words,” an emotional Rose told Mike Breen, who delivered the devastating news of Mitchell Robinson suffering a fractured right foot.

The postgame interview turned emotional.

It was a tough Saturday night for the New York Knicks in Milwaukee despite coming out with a 102-96 victory at the Fiserv Forum.

The Knicks were without two starters. Then they lost Robinson in the first quarter. But they were still expected to safely cruise to an easy win, with the Bucks missing seven players, including four starters.

The Knicks had to lean on Alec Burks’ heroics to survive the night.

Burks shattered a 96-deadlock with a three-pointer in the final 79 seconds, then sealed the Knicks’ 24th win at the line after the Bucks missed their three-point tries.

The Bucks played without seven players, including four starters led by Giannis Antetokounmpo. But they had another Antetokounmpo—Thanasis, who poured in a career-high 23 points and 10 rebounds and almost led an upset.

The Knicks were also missing two starters—All-Star Julius Randle, who missed his first game of the season with a contused right thigh, and Reggie Bullock is still nursing a sprained right ankle. Then Robinson joined the list of casualty. But the team only learned the severity of the injury after their gutsy win.

Left with a rag-tag team, Mike Budenholzer almost thwarted the Knicks with zone defense. New York, however, hit 16 of 44 three-pointers to survive.

A back-to-back three-pointer from Burks and rookie Immanuel Quickley opened up a 10-point lead, 87-77, for the Knicks at the onset of the final quarter. But the Bucks’ version of ‘The Replacements’ refused to fold up easily.

Pat Connaughton, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, and undrafted rookie Mamadi Diakite joined forces to bring Milwaukee within two points, 96-94. Brook Lopez, the lone starter left available for Budenholzer, punctuated the Bucks’ rally with a slam off Antetokounmpo’s fifth assist, with 1:35 left in the game.

Rose, who just came back from his battle with COVID-19, was trapped in the middle of the lane. He kicked it out to Quickley, who quickly swung it to a wide-open Burks for the go-ahead three-pointer.

It was Quickley’s fifth assist and Burks’ sixth three-pointer. The pivotal play was a reflection of the Knicks’ collective effort to go up two games above .500 (24-22) for the first time since January.

The Knicks registered a season-high 28 assists.

Barrett led the Knicks with a season-high seven assists that went with seven boards and 21 points, picking up the mantle of leadership for Randle.

“Today was a little bit different situation, but we found a way to win and pull it out,” Barrett said.

Burks extended his hot streak with at least 20 points to five games. He had 21 for the night and added 10 rebounds, five assists, and two shot blocks.

Rose shot 6-for-15 and finished with 13 points in his first game since missing the Knicks’ last nine games.

Taj Gibson, who had a spot-start at power forward, tallied six points, eight boards, four assists, and four blocks in 34 minutes.

Noel stepped up with Robinson down again. He played 32 minutes and contributed six points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and three blocks.

Even rookie Obi Toppin and seldom-used Kevin Knox had their moments. They combined for 11 points off the bench.

“I love our team. I love our versatility,” Tom Thibodeau said afterward.

The whole team rose above the challenge.

“Obviously, they care about each other a lot. Mitch has been terrific to us. So you hate to see
it. It’s a very close-knit group. You have to feel for Mitchell because of all the work he’s put in,” Thibodeau said.

“It’s tough. It’s tough for him. He worked so hard to get back and to see him go down again. It hurts us,” Barrett said. “It hurts the team, but you know, we’ll be with him in every step of the way until he gets back.”

Rose, who survived many serious injuries throughout his career, was devastated and commiserated with Robinson.

“It sucks. Especially the more I got to know him,” Rose said. “For someone like him, seeing how hard he worked to get back and for this to happen just sucks.”

Robinson will be re-evaluated upon their return to New York. But one thing is certain: he’ll be out again for an extended time.

The Knicks will also re-evaluate their options. They have an open roster spot. The timing of Robinson’s injury came on the heels of a report they are no longer interested in pursuing Andre Drummond.

The former two-time All-Star center and four-time league-leading rebounder and the Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to buyout terms.

Defending champion Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly the frontrunner to sign him.

The Memphis Grizzlies also recently waived another former Thibodeau player, Gorgui Dieng.

John Henson and Norvell Pelle, who had a brief stint with the Brooklyn Nets this season, are also available. Both were on the Knicks’ radar when Robinson went down with a broken hand.

The Knicks have a huge decision to make as they enter a critical period in their playoff push. After the Miami Heat on Monday, the Knicks will have 14 games in April featuring teams in contention for the play-in tournament and the playoffs.

The Knicks survived Robinson’s first extended absence with a 9-6 record. There’s no guarantee they can weather a second storm.

“You feel for a teammate, but it’s part of the game. So you have to deal with it as best as you can,” Thibodeau said.

Follow this writer on Twitter: @alderalmo