Overview
- Team officials held Robinson out of recent practices and the preseason finale under a predetermined plan, and he is expected to sit selected regular-season games as a precaution, per SNY.
- Head coach Mike Brown said he aims to keep starters near 34 minutes per game and deferred to the performance staff on Robinson’s usage after the center sat the Hornets preseason game despite being healthy.
- Robinson is in the final year of a deal paying about $13 million, with ESPN reporting no traction on an extension and an option to sign one through June 30 before he reaches free agency.
- New York’s proximity to the NBA’s second apron limits flexibility for a richer offer, even after extending Mikal Bridges, according to multiple cap reports.
- The cautious plan reflects Robinson’s availability concerns—roughly half of regular-season games played since 2020—contrasted with his playoff value as an elite offensive rebounder and rim protector.