Mitchell Robinson, the former New York Knicks centre, has opened up about a hand injury he sustained just before the NBA Finals in 2026, revealing that it arose from a moment of personal turmoil. This revelation was posted on his social media on July 5, just days after signing a new contract with the Boston Celtics.
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The incident occurred in early June, shortly before the Knicks were set to face the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Robinson underwent surgery on his hand due to an injury sustained outside the realms of game or practice, which raised concerns among fans regarding its origin. Despite the gravity of the situation, Robinson did not miss any matches during the Finals, yet he remained tight-lipped about the circumstances until recently.
In his Facebook post, Robinson detailed the emotional struggles he faced surrounding his younger brother’s car accident, which was the catalyst for the injury. He explained that he hit his hand on his truck in an impulsive reaction to the distressing news about his sibling. “Life is unpredictable, and it is how we respond to challenges that truly matters,” he stated, emphasising the importance of resilience in tough times.
The 28-year-old’s challenges extended beyond his hand injury. He spoke candidly about his difficulties with personal relationships and internal conflicts that had begun to affect his performance on the basketball court. Following the Knicks’ victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals, Robinson faced a particularly trying time. He shared that, upon returning home, he received the shocking news regarding his brother’s accident but did not see the message until later that night.
The heart-wrenching moment when he Facetimed his brother, only to find him unresponsive and wearing a neck brace, led to a wave of panic and despair for Robinson. “I broke down in tears, feeling like a failure for not being able to protect my siblings,” he admitted. His emotional response culminated in the regrettable action of hitting his hand against his truck, a symbolic gesture of frustration and helplessness that spoke to his character as a protective older brother.
Robinson’s heartfelt message underscored his deep affection for his family, as well as his passion for basketball, as he reflected on the sacrifices he made during the season. He recognised that, despite his absence from his daughter’s life at times, it was all for the purpose of ensuring a brighter future for her. “I needed to focus and lock in so she can have a better future than I did,” he stated, signalling his commitment as both a parent and a professional athlete.
Despite these challenges, Robinson showed remarkable strength and resilience. He consulted with medical professionals after his injury and regained confidence in his abilities, ultimately contributing to the Knicks’ championship run. “WE DID 2026 NBA CHAMPS,” he proudly remarked, celebrating the victory that now forms a significant part of his basketball legacy.
With a new chapter beginning, Robinson recently signed a lucrative three-year deal with the Boston Celtics valued at $47.4 million, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania. This move marks a significant transition in his career and provides an opportunity for him to continue his journey in the NBA while hopefully bringing along a newfound sense of peace after the tumultuous events of the past season.
As Robinson embarks on this new adventure with the Celtics, fans will undoubtedly be keeping an eye on how he not only performs on the court but also navigates the unpredictability of life off it. His story serves as a reminder of the personal battles athletes face behind the scenes and highlights the importance of compassion and understanding during challenging times.