Mitchell Robinson reveals what’s really behind his lengthy Knicks injury recovery

INDIANAPOLIS — Mitchell Robinson has a message for the people who may have forgotten about his ability.

“Let them sleep,” he said. “I’ll wake they ass up.”

Robinson, recovering from ankle surgery, broke his nine-month silence Tuesday night to beat reporters, explaining that his long recovery from ankle surgery wasn’t the result of a setback — only a commitment to sustained health — and that he’s eager to return, but still without a target date.

“I’ve just been taking my time. I want to make sure it’s 100 percent, I ain’t trying to keep having these sit-outs and setbacks and stuff like that,” Robinson said before the Knicks’ 128-115 blowout win over the Pacers. “This time, I’m just going to play it smart. Usually, I’d be young and dumb to go out there and try to get back as fast as I can. I can’t do that no more.”

What does that mean?

“Not make dumb decisions like nutrition-wise, make sure I take care of my body the right way,” Robinson said. “After a game, I don’t ice. That’s part of learning and growing. I’m just going to focus to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”