The NBA denied the New York Knicks a $7.8 million Disabled Player Exception (DPE) for center Mitchell Robinson, since there’s optimism that the 7-footer could make his return this season from injury.
Following surgery on his left ankle in mid-December, he was initially expected to miss 8-10 weeks. However, the Knicks’ medical staff informed the front office that Robinson’s injury would require further rehabilitation.
According to a couple of NBA betting sites, the Knicks hold 14th-ranked odds to win this season’s championship. Sportsbooks are showing better odds for the Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat.
ESPN Sources: NBA is denying the Knicks a $7.8 million Disabled Player Exception for loss of Mitchell Robinson, because there’s optimism that Robinson can return from ankle surgery to play late in regular season. Knicks could be getting back one of league’s best defensive… pic.twitter.com/W9qaOy63Lq
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 10, 2024
On Wednesday, the league rejected the Knicks’ DPE after doctors were unable to determine that Robinson would likely be out until mid-June, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
His injury is scheduled to be re-evaluated around mid-February.
The Knicks have been aware of the possibility of Robinson’s potential return, but the front office applied for the exception anyway to help improve the team’s cap flexibility.
Robinson is making $15.68 million this season. This is part of the four-year, $60 million deal he signed with the club in July 2022. At $7.8 million, the DPE was for half of Robinson’s salary this season.
NBA rejected the New York Knicks’ DPE after learning center Mitchell Robinson (ankle) could return this season
Prior to his injury, Robinson was leading the NBA in offensive rebounds (112), and he ranked ninth in total rebounds (216). Not to mention, he was 11th in steals (32), ninth in blocks (109), 20th in offensive rating (127.6), and 16th in defensive rating (108.1).
Though, backup center Isaiah Hartenstein has excelled during the Western Kentucky product’s absence.
In New York’s 116-100 win over the Chicago Bulls on Jan. 3, Hartenstein recorded 10 points, a career-high 20 rebounds, and five blocks in 37 minutes of action.
The last Knicks players to post this same stat line or better were Marcus Camby (2002), Patrick Ewing (12 times from 1988 to 1997), and John Gianelli (1976).
Source confirms that the…