2018 NBA Draft: 5 best prospects at the center position
After initially committing to Western Kentucky, Mitchell Robinson made headlines with his decision to leave campus after just a few practices. While he eventually returned, it wasn’t long until he left for good in favor of spending the next year training for the draft — a risky move considering just how raw his skill set currently is.
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At 7’1″ with a 7’4″ wingspan, Robinson has first round potential based on physical tools alone. He’s mobile for his size, getting off his feet quickly around the rim and covering a lot of ground on the defensive end. His instincts aren’t necessarily up to par with some of the more elite centers in this year’s class, but he’s more than capable of blocking shots at a high clip.
That defensive presence is coupled with excellent history as a rebounder. He shows a nice nose for the ball on both ends, and currently holds th EYBL record for rebounds and offensive rebounds per 40 minutes. A strong defensive presence who can crash the boards has immediate value in the NBA — almost regardless of how his offensive game pans out.
The offensive end is probably where Robinson needed the college game most. He has shown flashes of promise as a shooter in the past, but lacks the feel and polish needed to do much at the next level early on. He runs the floor well and can finish off lobs at the rim, but he has some serious work left to do before his jumper becomes a consistent, viable weapon.
With that said, a physical freak who has any potential beyond simple rim-running will get scouts talking. There’s a good chance that we see Mitchell’s stock drop a bit once the college season kicks off, but team workouts will ultimately determine where he falls on draft night.