All Knicks

Mitchell Robinson Responds After Isaiah Hartenstein Leaves Knicks

The New York Knicks will have a new starting center after Isaiah Hartenstein signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Jeremy Brener

Apr 30, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) handles the ball against New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) during overtime in game 5 of the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) handles the ball against New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) during overtime in game 5 of the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

The New York Knicks are reacting to the unfortunate news that came Monday morning as Isaiah Hartenstein signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

One of the players impacted the most by Hartenstein's departure is Mitchell Robinson, the only center with a guaranteed contract currently on the roster.

Robinson took to Instagram, leaving a cryptic picture and caption on his story.

"Got something cooking up just wait," Robinson's post read.

Robinson was the starting center at the beginning of the season, but an ankle injury required surgery and kept him on the sidelines for nearly four months. He returned in late March off the bench and participated in six games for the Knicks playoff run. However, in Game 1 against the Indiana Pacers, Robinson tweaked his ankle, forcing him out of the rest of the series. Robinson then opted for another surgery on the ankle.

The social media post could be coincidental as nothing directly connects his story to the Hartenstein news, but the timing is awfully suspicious. The Knicks will likely go into next season with Robinson back in the starting lineup alongside Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Julius Randle. He's New York's best option currently given the situation.

Robinson started all but 13 of his appearances over the past three seasons before the 2023-24 campaign, so it's a role he's used to. That being said, he has expressed frustration in the past with his role, which focused more on his defense than offense. However, with a roster able to contend for the NBA Finals and several other offensive weapons on the floor, perhaps Robinson will be excited about the opportunity that could be presented in front of him.

Robinson could also be included in an upcoming trade as the Knicks look to re-shuffle the deck following the Bridges trade. Maybe he's "cooking up" a more formal trade request that will give him the opportunity to be more of a contributor for another team on the offensive end.

Either way, Robinson is facing a big offseason for his personal growth and Knicks fans should be intrigued by what he's cooking.

Make sure you bookmark All Knicks for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

Published
Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

Home/News