Mitch Rob Sidelined for the Entire Season? What Now…

A dozen names the Knicks might consider should they be granted a Disabled Player Exception for Mitchell Robinson.

Typically, we start with a recap of the prior day's contest, but unfortunately, the Knicks' impressive victory over the Nets in Brooklyn Wednesday evening has to take a back seat to the disastrous news that broke late last night. At around 11 pm, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the Knicks have applied to the NBA for a Disabled Player Exception for Mitchell Robinson. 

Essentially, it means that New York's medical staff believes the ankle injury Robinson sustained earlier this month will sideline him for the remainder of the 2023-24 season. This is a stunning development. 

When Robinson initially injured the ankle in Boston on Dec. 8, coach Tom Thibodeau downplayed the injury. He confirmed the X-rays taken at halftime that night came back negative and even played Mitch Rob five minutes in the third quarter of that contest. Robinson told reporters after the game, "It's nothing crazy." However, two days later, the team announced he would need surgery and would be re-evaluated in eight weeks. 

Now we find out the organization has applied for a DPE amid rumors that Robinson fractured the ankle and the subsequent operation required screws to be inserted into his foot. We'll get into the potential long-term ramifications for the player and the team in the near future, but you don't need me to tell you that the history of seven-footers having screws in their ankles is… not great. 

For now, we'll focus on the immediate future. 

According to the NBA's current Collective Bargaining Agreement, a Disabled Player Exception if, in the opinion of a league physician, the injury "makes it substantially more likely than not that the player would be unable to play through the following June 15."

Some additional details per the CBA: "The determination of whether a player has suffered a Disabling Injury or Illness shall be made by a physician designated by the NBA, who shall review the relevant medical information and, if the physician deems it appropriate, examine the player. The NBA shall advise the Players Association of the determination of its physician within one (1) business day of such determination. In the event the Players Association disputes the NBA physician's determination, the parties will immediately refer the matter to a neutral physician to review the relevant medical information and, if the neutral physician deems it appropriate, examine the player. Within three (3) business days of receipt of such information (and examination of the player, if requested), the neutral physician shall make a final determination, which will be final, binding, and unappealable. The cost of the NBA physician will be borne by the NBA. The cost of the neutral physician will be borne equally and jointly by the NBA and the Players Association."

It is important to note the date referenced above, June 15. That's not simply the end of the regular season, but rather after the completion of the 2024 NBA Finals. Thus, New York expects Robinson to be sidelined for 4+ months. 

Assuming the league grants the Knicks the DPE, the disabled player exception allows New York to sign a replacement player for 50% of Robinson's salary (since it's lesser than the taxpayer's mid-level exception.)

In this case, the DPE would be worth $7,840,909 (half of Robinson's salary for 2023-24)

If granted, the exception can only be used on a single player, and the Knicks basically have three options. New York can:

• Sign a free agent to a contract for the remainder of this season. 

• Trade for a player in the final year of his contract. 

• Place a waiver claim on a player in the final year of his contract. 

The Knicks would have until March 11 to use the DPE.

It's also important to note that "In order for a Team to be granted a Disabled Player Exception, the Disabled Player must continue to be on the team's roster from the time the team makes an application for the exception through the date upon which the exception is granted." This means the Knicks cannot exceed the pre-set maximum of 15 players. Consequently, if the Knicks used the DPE, they would have to waive a player currently on the 15-man squad. The most likely candidate to be released would be DaQuan Jeffries or Ryan Arcidiacono, both of whom are on non-guaranteed contracts. 

In reality, most Disabled Player Exceptions expire without being used. Three teams have been granted DPEs this season (Chicago Bulls / Lonzo Ball, Memphis Grizzlies / Steven Adams, Portland Trail Blazers /Robert Williams), and none of the three have yet to use their DPE.

However, the Knicks situation is unique. They are a contending team, and Robinson was an immensely valuable contributor whom they expected to lean on all season. The reality is New York has little choice but to make a move to add depth at the center position. Jericho Sims is currently sidelined due to a sprained ankle and was unable to hold down the fort when shoved into the starting lineup. We all love Taj Gibson, but he was sitting on his couch watching the Knicks on MSG at this time last week.