Mitchell Robinson ’s absence until December or January will be a blessing in disguise for the Knicks, says one NBA analyst. Former NBA big man Kendrick Perkins believes Robinson’s absence will allow coach Tom Thibodeau to play Julius Randle as a small-ball five man, meaning the Knicks can play a more uptempo style while Robinson is out.

Without Robinson in their rotation, the Knicks may need to get creative to ensure they have a viable center rotation. The franchise is already short-handed in the middle of the floor after losing Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder at the start of the offseason.

With Mitchell Robinson sidelined after ankle surgery, could the Knicks make a trade to bolster their big man rotation?