Knicks part ways with Liam Robbins just a day after signing him

In a surprising move, the New York Knicks have waived Liam Robbins, a 7-foot center who was signed just a day earlier. The announcement came via the Knicks' official PR account, stating that Robbins was let go after being brought on board for an Exhibit 10 deal. This decision raises questions about the Knicks' roster strategy and the evaluation process behind their recent signings.

Robbins, who began his professional journey with the New Orleans Pelicans after going undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft, faced a tough start to his career. Despite being the SEC Player of the Year, he was unable to secure a spot on the Pelicans' opening-night roster and subsequently joined their G League affiliate, the Birmingham Squadron. His time in the G League was marked by struggles, but he eventually signed with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he averaged 0.7 points and 0.9 rebounds per game during his stint with the 2021 NBA champions.

After a challenging 2023-24 season, Robbins played with the Rip City Remix, the Portland Trail Blazers’ G League affiliate, where he showed some improvement, averaging 9.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game while shooting 49.3% from the field. However, his performance evidently did not convince the Knicks' management to keep him on the roster for the upcoming season.

Knicks' questionable roster decisions raise concerns

This swift decision to waive Robbins raises eyebrows about the Knicks' approach to roster construction. It’s not uncommon for teams to make quick evaluations, but cutting ties with a player so soon after signing him suggests a lack of confidence in his potential contribution. The Knicks have a history of making bold moves, but this one seems particularly hasty, especially considering Robbins' size and previous accolades.

As the Knicks continue to shape their roster, the question remains: what does this mean for Robbins' future? He is still a work in progress, and another season in the G League with the Westchester Knicks could provide him with the development he needs to refine his skills and potentially earn another shot in the NBA. For now, Robbins must navigate the uncertainty of his professional career after this abrupt exit from the Knicks.

The Knicks have made headlines before for their roster decisions, and this latest move adds to the narrative of a franchise that is constantly in search of the right mix of talent. As they prepare for the upcoming season, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these decisions play out and what they mean for the team's overall strategy moving forward.