The New York Knicks were dealt some tough injury news ahead of their return to the NBA Finals after 27 years. One of the best offensive rebounders in the league, Mitchell Robinson, was diagnosed with a broken pinky finger and has no timetable for a return. This caught the eye of former NFL offensive lineman Damien Woody, who was shocked that Robinson might miss the biggest games of his life over a pinky injury.
Damien Woody Questions Potential Mitchell Robinson Absence
The NBA Finals are where legends are born and legacies are cemented. Robinson is the longest-tenured Knick and has been there for some ugly seasons. It would be crazy for a broken pinky to stop Robinson from being on the court, but it seems like it might. Woody spoke on his own experiences of playing through a broken hand and expressed his confusion at a potential absence.
“I’m going to need some basketball dudes to help me understand why Mitchell Robinson will miss time with a broken pinky. I broke my hand in training camp, had surgery, and had my whole hand in a cast and didn’t miss a game,” said Woody.
I’m going to need some basketball dudes to help me understand why Mitchell Robinson will miss time with a broken pinky. I broke my hand in training camp, had surgery, and had my whole hand in a cast and didn’t miss a game
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) May 29, 2026
Robinson did play through the injury in Game 4, so he might be able to suit up in Game 1, but only time will tell on that. Robinson’s game comes from being able to catch lobs, being physical to grab rebounds and steal extra possessions, and blocking shots. All of these require his hand to be functioning well, which makes it tough for him to be as effective. If he can’t do these well, he’ll likely miss the biggest games of his career.
The difference for Robinson is that he can’t play basketball in a cast. Luckily for Woody, a basketball guy did weigh in. Former NBA player Theo Pinson chimed in and isn’t confident Robinson will be available at all.
“I broke my pinky I’ll let ya know I’ll be shocked if he back in time before the finals are over,” said Pinson.
I broke my pinky I’ll let ya know I’ll be shocked if he back in time before the finals are over. https://t.co/rleHnPtJsl
— Theo pinson (@tpinsonn) May 28, 2026
Woody playing through a broken hand isn’t much different, though, except for being able to use a cast. He would have had to use his hands to block elusive, powerful defensive lineman. Woody knows what it is like to play in big games, too, as a two-time Super Bowl champion in his career. He didn’t even miss a game with his broken hand, let alone if it was the Super Bowl.
The Robinson storyline is going to be very important for the Knicks’ chances at winning in the NBA Finals. Although Robinson has often dealt with injury issues, his impact on the court can be immeasurable at times and would be a huge loss, even if it is because of such a minor injury like a broken pinky. Woody may not understand a potential absence for Robinson, but it is within the realm of possibility ahead of Game 1 in about a week.
