What Mitchell Robinson has been for the New York Knicks
First things first, let’s take a look at what Robinson has been and what he’s brought to the Knicks during the first three seasons of his career. Simply put, more than anything, Robinson has been a defensive anchor for the Knicks.
While many have – and continue to – question his ability to be an impactful player on the offensive end, he’s always been a good rebounder and shot-blocker since his debut in the NBA. During his rookie season, he averaged 6.4 rebounds 2.4 blocks per game. During his sophomore season, he averaged seven rebounds and two blocks per game. Last season, in what many believed to be a down season for him, he still managed to average eight rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game.
Robinson is long and extremely athletic; he has all the tools to continue to be an effective rim protector and one of the more versatile defenders at the true center position. It’s the intangibles on that end of the floor that has improved the most since he’s entered the league, and that could help him evolve into an overall elite defender – not just a shot-blocker.
But on the offensive end, he still hasn’t shown a consistent jumper and is more of a rim-runner at this point of his career. He doesn’t shoot 3’s at all and that’s at least a bit concerning with the way the NBA continues to evolve.
So even though Robinson continued to evolve on the defensive end, he still leaves much to be desired as an offensive threat. And as soon as his defensive prowess begins to slip, because of his inability on the offensive end, it could render him useless at times for the Knicks. That’s a big question mark and something New York will have to figure out before giving him an extension.