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There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the plethora of moves that the New York Knicks need to make this offseason, but nothing seems uncertain about how the players feel about the franchise.
While the elation of a championship run, especially one as historic and dramatic as the Knicks' run was, is going to make any player think twice about leaving such a franchise, it was apparent that this particular Knicks team had an especially deep connection that contributed to their success.
Mitchell has an especially deep connection to the Knicks having played his entire career with the team and weathering the storm of cavernous lows all the way to the meteoric high of this past season.
That's what makes what might transpire this offseason so difficult. Knicks owner James Dolan stated outright that he would not be willing to take the team salary into the second apron and as a result, some free agents from this past season may need to be sacrificed.
Robinson has already been reported to not be returning to the Knicks partially because these self-imposed financial restrictions, but nothing is official and in a recent interview with WGNO, a local news television station based in New Orleans, Robinson didn't rule anything out and even expressed excitement about the prospect of returning to the Knicks.
"We can see what happens. It would be great, try to do it to run it back again. Try to go back to back, defending champs. That's very [much] a possibility," Robinson said.
Robinson may be a backup center for the Knicks, but he played a crucial role in supporting Karl-Anthony Towns both during the regular season and the playoffs and his loyalty and length of time with the Knicks has made him a key locker room presence and cornerstone of the culture of the team.
Blowing up the roster now immediately after winning a championship would be a huge blow to the chemistry and the culture of the team and with players like Robinson being so enthusiastic about trying to return to the team, it stands out as an indication of the difference between how the players see the team and how ownership sees the team.
There's still a long offseason ahead and there's no guarantee at this point that Robinson is fully out the door as a Knick, but things haven't been trending in that direction based on recent reports, no matter what Robinson's feelings are about it.
Continue reading...
While the elation of a championship run, especially one as historic and dramatic as the Knicks' run was, is going to make any player think twice about leaving such a franchise, it was apparent that this particular Knicks team had an especially deep connection that contributed to their success.
Mitchell has an especially deep connection to the Knicks having played his entire career with the team and weathering the storm of cavernous lows all the way to the meteoric high of this past season.
Could Robinson Stay?
That's what makes what might transpire this offseason so difficult. Knicks owner James Dolan stated outright that he would not be willing to take the team salary into the second apron and as a result, some free agents from this past season may need to be sacrificed.
Robinson has already been reported to not be returning to the Knicks partially because these self-imposed financial restrictions, but nothing is official and in a recent interview with WGNO, a local news television station based in New Orleans, Robinson didn't rule anything out and even expressed excitement about the prospect of returning to the Knicks.
"We can see what happens. It would be great, try to do it to run it back again. Try to go back to back, defending champs. That's very [much] a possibility," Robinson said.
Robinson's Role
Robinson may be a backup center for the Knicks, but he played a crucial role in supporting Karl-Anthony Towns both during the regular season and the playoffs and his loyalty and length of time with the Knicks has made him a key locker room presence and cornerstone of the culture of the team.
Blowing up the roster now immediately after winning a championship would be a huge blow to the chemistry and the culture of the team and with players like Robinson being so enthusiastic about trying to return to the team, it stands out as an indication of the difference between how the players see the team and how ownership sees the team.
There's still a long offseason ahead and there's no guarantee at this point that Robinson is fully out the door as a Knick, but things haven't been trending in that direction based on recent reports, no matter what Robinson's feelings are about it.
Continue reading...
