Jason Burgos
On Thursday, New York Knicks fans got bad news for the first time in a while when it was revealed that fan favorite big man Mitchell Robinson has a broken right pinky finger. However, despite no timetable for a return, a notable sports medicine expert has offered hope that he can suit up in the NBA Finals.
ESPN’s Shams Charania broke the news last night that the Knicks’ backup center had suffered the unfortunate injury, and the uncertainty surrounding his availability in the franchise’s first trip to the NBA Finals in 27 years.
Following the news, popular MMA reporter and avid Knicks fan Ariel Helwani took to X and sought out reason for hope from sports medicine expert Brian Sutterer, MD. “I’m going to need Brian Sutterer to tell me it’s all going to be OK with Mitch’s finger asap. Please doc,” he wrote.
Soon after, Sutterer responded with a reason for Knicks fans across the country to remain optimistic that the big man will play in the NBA Finals.
Mitchell Robinson’s return to the NY Knicks in the NBA Finals is possible
“If it’s a tiny little fleck, something that may happen after a dislocation, then very likely he could splint/tape and play,” Sutterer wrote on X. “But if it’s a more substantial fracture that needs surgery or a splint that goes past the wrist, slim chance he’s back soon. The only positive here is that we have a lot of time till the finals start.”
The 2026 NBA Finals don’t start until June 3. Giving the valuable big man extra time for treatment and recovery.
While he isn’t a top star for the Eastern Conference Champions, Knicks fans know how impactful he can be. He is a strong rim protector, a serious lob threat, and one of the NBA’s best offensive rebounders. He could be a big difference maker in a series against the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs.
