Knicks Rumors: Mitchell Robinson Won't Return From Ankle Injury Until 2025 | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson's recovery time from ankle surgery in May may be longer than initially expected.

On Thursday's episode of First recordingESPN's Shams Charania said Robinson will miss the rest of this calendar year while he waits for his foot to return to 100 percent health.

Robinson suffered from multiple stress fractures in his left ankle last season, which required two surgeries. The first procedure took place in December and kept him out for 50 games.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported Robinson underwent surgery on May 13 to repair another stress fracture on the same ankle. He initially injured his ankle in the third game of New York's first-round playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Robinson was able to play three more games before being suspended after Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Indiana Pacers.

SNY's Ian Begley reported last month that Robinson and the Knicks were targeting a “December/January return date” for the 26-year-old center, with the team wanting to ensure he is 100 percent healthy before putting him back on the court brings.

The Knicks appeared to be facing a question mark at center with Robinson injured and Isaiah Hartenstein leaving to sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder on a free transfer.

Acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns as part of a three-team deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Charlotte Hornets on October 2 filled New York's immediate and long-term need for a proven big man.

Injuries have been a persistent problem throughout Robinson's career. In the last four seasons, he has only played more than 60 games once.

When Robinson plays, he is one of the best rebounding centers in the NBA. He averaged more than four offensive rebounds per game in each of the last three seasons, including a season-best 4.5 per game in the 2022-23 season.

Until Robinson can return, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau will likely rely on Jericho Sims as his primary backup center when Towns is on the bench.