New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson has been traveling with the team and is closer to making his return. He has returned to practice and the idea is that the Knicks will suit him up against the Chicago Bulls Friday night at the United Center.

SNY’s Ian Begley reported that the Knicks brought Robinson on their current road trip “with the thought that he could play.”

Robinson had a strong training camp and played well in the preseason games he participated in before the injury. He has missed all of the regular season games thus far, and his presence has been felt as the Knicks have constantly been losing the battle of the boards.

New York’s defense appeared to be humbled without Robinson manning the middle of the key. Against the Milwaukee Bucks, two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo sliced through the Knicks’ lineup for 37 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and two blocks.

Without Robinson in the middle, there was a lack of rim protection which seems to be Robinson's calling card.

Robinson’s positioning in the middle of the defense bolster the Knicks’ rebounding and interior defense. The team also needs a shot of adrenaline to boost their spirits as they have dropped two games in a row to the Bucks and the Miami Heat.

New coach Mike Brown has installed a system that is heavily dependent on emphasizing pace, spacing, and quick decision-making. He also uses a broader rotation than his predecessor Tom Thibodeau. This quick pace, up-tempo offense requires more bodies and a big man in transition.

“We’re going up and down the court, putting in a lot of new things that I’ve never seen before, so it’s a process,” Robinson was quoted as saying in training camp.

Robinson learned much of the scheme in training camp, but he will be adjusting on the fly once he gets on the floor,

Robinson’s rebounding and rim protection are what the Knicks have been lacking. Karl-Anthony Towns cannot handle it by himself. This is Robinson's specialty. He was supposed to be the anchor of the defense and the Knicks have been sailing without it.

Robinson has played in just 48 games over the past two seasons. He missed a lot of time last season with a fractured foot which required surgery.

He returned in the playoffs and teamed with Towns to provide a formidable 1-2 punch on the boards.

According to reports, the Knicks have opened talks with Robinson’s representatives but remain far apart in negotiations. The big man is earning $13 million this season, "which declines to an expiring $12.9 million salary, giving him unrestricted free agency potential next summer if no extension is reached."

It has also been reported that the Knicks have until June 30 to strike a new deal. With the organization facing tight second-apron cap restrictions, Robinson’s future could be a deciding factor in shaping the roster around Jalen Brunson, Towns, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges.