Mitchell Robinson obliterates errant shots as blocks leader for New York Knicks.
Entering his fifth year as a pro at 24, Robinson knows where his bread is buttered. The 7-foot center is the epitome of efficiency, routinely finishing near the top of the league in field goal percentage — all while devouring rebounds and protecting the basket by virtue of impressive verticality and a 7-foot-4 wingspan.
It took a little while to get here, but Robinson has become a far better player in terms of his basketball fundamentals, and that goes a long way on defense. Now that veteran big man Nerlens Noel is off the team, Robinson is the unquestioned starter and primary rim defender for this team. Part of Thibodeau’s scheme will include funneling players into the paint so that Robinson can send their shot packing to celebrity row.
As a rookie, Robinson was astonishing with 2.4 blocks per contest. His role was fluid over the next couple of years, as was his playing time, so it was tough for Robinson to find his footing until the 2021-22 season. He took full advantage of the opportunity, firmly establishing himself as an effective role player. Robinson was rewarded with a $60 million deal to remain with the Knicks for the next four seasons.
Now that questions about his role or future in New York are out of mind, it’s fully plausible for him to eclipse that 2.4 block average and re-enter the race for the NBA’s blocks leader in 2023.