NBA: Most likely first time All-Stars from each team

NBA: Most likely first time All-Stars from each team: New York Knicks – Mitchell Robinson

There’s a clear blueprint for the New York Knicks starting center to follow.

In today’s day and age, Mitchell Robinson doesn’t exactly fit the mold of what a modern-day NBA big man plays like. Starting centers in this era don’t exactly play big. Seldom are they asking for the ball in the low post. Also, with the NBA placing a bigger emphasis on the 3-point shot, other centers such as Brook Lopez of the Milwaukee Bucks and Nikola Vucevic of the Orlando Magic, have implemented the long ball.

Robinson isn’t that sort of player. Nor should he try to be. Even without a perimeter game, Robinson looks like he has the makings of a great player. For inspiration, Robinson should look towards former All-Stars Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz and Clint Capela of the Atlanta Hawks.

Before going down with injury last season, Robinson was in the midst of averaging 8.3 points and 8.1 boards per game in just 27.5 minutes a night. At the moment, Robinson’s minutes are now at a career-high, reaching just over 30 a game. With that, his numbers are pretty solid. He’s still a single-digit scorer but he’s averaging a career-best 13 boards a night.

Robinson doesn’t have to drop 20 a game. If he can give you Gobert type numbers, ie; 15 points and 13 boards with close to two blocks, something he’s capable of doing, he’ll easily make his first All-Star berth.