The New York Knicks are finally getting another big man back.

Knicks center Mitchell Robinson has been upgraded to questionable for Friday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies and is expected to make his season debut either Friday or Sunday against the Miami Heat, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Robinson has been out all season after undergoing offseason ankle surgery. In his place, recent acquisition Karl-Anthony Towns has been seeing the majority of minutes at center. That’s gone well for the Knicks so far, as Towns is averaging a career high in rebounds and providing a strong scoring threat opposite Jalen Brunson.

Robinson does bring his own benefits as an elite offensive rebounder and a shot-blocking presence in the paint. The team’s starting center last year, he could theoretically share the court with Towns due to the latter’s offensive versatility.

Robinson’s return comes at a good time for the Knicks as well. No team in the NBA has relied on its starters like New York, as the quintet of Brunson, Towns, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges have shared the court for 826 minutes this season. The NBA’s next closest five-man lineup, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ starters, have 528 minutes together.

Adding Robinson should lighten the load and also strengthen the Knicks after losing reserve big man Ariel Hukporti to a mensicus tear for four to six weeks.

Mitchell Robinson’s 2023-24 season has been a rollercoaster, starting strong before being sidelined by a serious ankle injury that required surgery. Before going down, he was one of the most dominant defensive anchors in the league, averaging impressive numbers in rebounds and blocked shots. His ability to protect the rim and provide second-chance opportunities on the offensive glass made him a crucial piece of the Knicks’ success. Losing him for an extended period was a massive blow to New York, as his presence in the paint was nearly irreplaceable.

During his absence, the Knicks struggled to maintain the same defensive intensity, relying on backup bigs and adjusting their playstyle to compensate. While they managed to stay competitive, it was clear that Robinson’s impact couldn’t be fully replicated. His elite shot-blocking and rebounding were sorely missed, especially against teams with dominant interior scorers. Now, with his return, the Knicks have a chance to regain their defensive identity and strengthen their playoff push as the season enters its most critical stretch.

Looking ahead, Robinson’s health and durability will be key factors in how far the Knicks can go. If he can stay on the court and return to his elite defensive form, New York’s chances of making a deep postseason run drastically improve. His ability to control the paint, alter shots, and crash the boards makes him one of the most valuable players on the roster. With the team gearing up for the final stretch of the season, Robinson’s comeback could be the spark the Knicks need to take their game to the next level.