Mitchell Robinson will return to the lineup Wednesday after leaving Monday’s win over Indiana with a rolled ankle, but the Knicks’ starting center joked that his ongoing search to find the right shoes to wear during games may lead him to a sturdier but unlikely fashion choice:
Timberland work boots.
Robinson already is wearing orthotic inserts in his sneakers following March foot surgery, but his shoes have “busted” multiple times on the court this season.
“I had the PGs. Retired those. The KDs. I had my toe…it got stepped on. So, I had those, then I went to the Kyrie, the high-top one,” Robinson said Tuesday, referring to Nike models endorsed by Paul George, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. “I even went to a (size) 16 and I wear a 14, but it still ain’t work out.
“So I’m like, pfft, I think now it’s about to be some Timbs or something. … For real, bro. Hey man, I’m gonna figure it out. I’m gonna figure it out quick, because I don’t want this to keep happening.”
Mitchell Robinson (#23) blocks a shot during the Knicks’ win over the Pacers on Nov. 15, 2021.APRobinson said he’ll attempt to wear Nike Hyperdunks in Wednesday’s home game against the Magic, but the classic Timberlands could be a last resort if these don’t work out.
“If I pull up in some Timbs, bro, I ain’t no New Yorker, but I walk past the park and I be seeing them in those Timbs, hooping,” Robinson said.
The fourth-year center is still rounding into shape after March surgery to repair a broken foot. He has appeared in 13 of the Knicks’ first 16 games — averaging 6.8 points and 7.5 rebounds — before departing Monday’s win after scoring two points in 16 minutes.
Nerlens Noel (knee) will sit out his fourth straight game Wednesday against the Magic, Tom Thibodeau said. The veteran center also missed the first seven games of the season due to knee and hamstring issues.
