After going through a whole ordeal of injuries during the past year, center Mitchell Robinson could start the game that will open the new 2021-22 season against Boston Celtics (01:30 hours), the newspaper reported NY Post.
Given the physical problems of Nerlens Noel, and the inexperience of the rookie Jericho Sims, Robinson could beat Taj Gibson, according to information provided by the aforementioned media.
Robinson returned to the park in the final preseason game with 6 points, 9 rebounds and 2 steals in a close 115-113 victory over Washington.
“I’m not sure yet. I want to see where Mitch is and I hope he’s ready. Taj always is, ”Tom Thibodeau admitted. «Anything we ask of him, he will do it (be the owner or reserve). That is the great value of Taj. Mitch is really up and running and we are very happy about it, ”he added.
Robinson had surgery in March for a broken foot, and the Knicks really didn’t know when he would be ready but to return. But finally he was able to have his first minutes against the capital where he was much more muscular.
For his part, Nerlens Noel will return to the quintet when he is ready, as he has had a “small setback” in his left knee. The interior earned its place by demonstrating tremendous effectiveness as an advocate for paint, and this summer it signed a new pledge for an additional three years and $ 32 million.
‘His condition is still somewhat doubtful. This week he advanced a little more. It is basically a pain. And he will continue to work through all of this. But he’s still not comfortable, ”Thibs admitted.
Leader Randle
Thibodeau still does not name the team captain; however, he called Julius Randle the “leader of the group.” The power forward has to be confirmed as the star of the team after his great progression where he won the Most Improved Player and was placed in the Second Best NBA Quintet.
I want it to happen organically. We have very good veterans who have done a great job and I lean on them. Obviously Julius is our leader, but there are also Derrick (Rose), Kemba (Walker) and Alec (Burks), ”he explained.
Kemba y los ‘back to back’
Kemba Walker’s physique has been called into question in recent years in Boston. The point guard has not been able to perform at his best level due to injuries, and this season with the Knicks he will have up to eleven back to back. Will he be prepared or will he rest with Rose, Burks and Quickley on the team?
“I feel very good. In fact, I have been available in all training sessions and all preseason games, except when they gave me rest. Regarding the back to back, we will take them day after day, depending on how I feel. It’s not that I’m not going to contest them, ”Walker explained.
In preseason he has collected figures of 10 points, 3.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists in 20 minutes per game.
(Cover photo: Elsa / Getty Images)