Center: Mitchell Robinson
One of the few guaranteed starters for the New York Knicks this coming season. Mitchell Robinson has exceeded expectations in New York and has quickly become a fan favorite in MSG.
The 7-footer plays with joy to the game and energy that you can’t help but love.
He takes pride on the defensive end of the ball. He enjoys hustling and sliding his feet to stay in front of his man and making life difficult for him. He beams when he blocks shots and you can’t deny that he is very talented on that end of the floor.
Robinson is the perfect Tom Thibadeau center. Defense orientated, high energy, and is a team-first player. A rarity in today’s game when you have centers like Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, Karl-Anthony Towns who demand to have the ball in their hands most times coming down the floor.
That is not to say Robinson is a slouch on the offensive end, he just realized that he is going to make his money on the defensive side of the ball and that will be music to coach Thibs ears.
Robinson will make his money as one of the NBA’s great shot-blockers. His blocking stats for the minutes he has played the last two seasons are staggering. In 2018-19, Robinson blocked 2.4 blocks per contest in 20.6 minutes (!!). In 2019-20, Robinson slightly regressed but still managed two blocks per game in 23.1 minutes of action.
That is a staggering number for a player that has started 26 out of a possible 127 games.
Many fans and analysts alike have questioned whether Robinson might be the next great New York Knicks center.
With stats like that on the defensive end this early in his career, there is a real chance for Robinson to be a special defensive prospect for this New York Knicks team.
Robinson at this point in his career is a run, jump, and dunk offensive player. That is not to insult or disparage him, he is a 22-year-old young player who is still learning his way in the league.
Robinson has the athleticism, the energy, and the talent to improve on offense and if he does so, the Knicks will have a truly special center on their hands.