Celtics Rival Receives Devastating News Before Season Even Starts

Bobby Krivitsky | Sep 23, 2024

Dec 8, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) shoots the ball over Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images / Eric Canha-Imagn Images

The Knicks represent arguably the top threat to the Celtics in the Eastern Conference.

New York gave up a treasure chest of draft capital, sending the Nets four unprotected first-round picks, an unprotected pick swap in 2028, and a top-four protected first-round selection via the Bucks in 2025 to acquire Mikal Bridges.

That gives the Knicks an elite defensive tandem in Bridges and OG Anunoby, a pairing formed with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in mind. Add in Josh Hart and Tom Thibodeau's got the ingredients for a stifling triumvirate.

Furthermore, Bridges should benefit from his time as Brooklyn's top-scoring option. He and fellow former Villanova star Jalen Brunson will make life easier for each other offensively.

However, after losing Isaiah Hartenstein to the Thunder in free agency, New York enters the 2024-25 campaign with questions at the pivot.

And while they re-signed Precious Achiuwa this summer and Thibodeau has discussed deploying Julius Randle at center, the Knicks have been dealt a setback before this season even begins.

Eric Canha-Imagn Images

According to Yaron Weitzman, Mitchell Robinson has not fully recovered from his foot surgery in May and will not be ready for the start of the upcoming campaign.

The seven-foot center suffered a stress injury to his left foot in the playoffs. That came a few months after a December surgery on the same foot to address a stress fracture.

Per Weitzman, the team is targeting a December or January return. However, that hinges on his rehab process. While he adds that New York maintains confidence in its depth and versatility, the Knicks could target a former Celtic if seeking an external upgrade.

Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

When healthy, Robert Williams is capable of making a significant impact at both ends of the court. He averaged 6.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and 1.2 steals in a promising start to the 2023-24 campaign before it abruptly ended after six games due to surgery to repair bone and ligament damage caused by a right kneecap injury.

While his durability is a concern, the Time Lord turns 27 in October and is only on the books for $12.4 million this season and $13.3 million for 2025-26. The cost of acquiring him figures to be reasonable and could elevate New York's ceiling in the playoffs.

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