Things have not gone especially well for the New York Knicks this NBA season, but there are still reasons to be optimistic about the future. While the team regressed in 2021-22 after a great 2020-21 campaign, there is a young core that presents some excitement in New York.
Their recent three-game winning streak can be attributed in large part to the younger players getting the job done on both ends of the court. The Knicks have put together some stronger performances on the defensive end, while the offense is clicking about as well as it has at any point this season.
One of the less talked about young players in that core is center Mitchell Robinson. Robinson is an extremely long, athletic big that can impact the game on both ends with his vastly improved rebounding.
He plays above the rim offensively, catching lob passes to excite the crowd. When he cleans up the offensive glass, he more often than not follows it up with a thunderous dunk. Defensively he has improved his discipline, fouling less frequently. His blocks on 3-point attempts are a great example of how bouncy he really is.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mavericks, Pistons Linked As Suitors For Mitchell Robinson
On the season, Robinson is averaging 8.4 points per game on 77.3 percent from the field. If he takes enough shots to qualify, he would lead the league and reset the record for highest shooting percentage in a season. He is also pulling down 8.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game, while his fouls per game have dropped for the third consecutive year.
This offseason, Mitchell will be heading into free agency. His is one to keep an eye on, as there aren’t many teams with cap space this summer. However one of them is the Detroit Pistons, who expressed interest in Mitchell Robinson ahead of the trade deadline.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mavericks, Pistons Linked As Suitors For Mitchell Robinson
In a recent episode of the HoopsHype Podcast, Michael Scotto discussed some rumors surrounding the New York Knicks with Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News. Scotto revealed how much Robinson could receive during his next contract.
“I spoke to five NBA executives, and I asked them what in their mind is Mitchell Robinson’s projected free agency value as of today? According to those executives, his worst-case scenario is the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, but generally, the projected range for him is between $12-13 million annually, which would be more than what Nerlens Noel got previously in free agency with the Knicks. Most executives think with the Knicks having Robinson’s Bird Rights, most around the league don’t see him walking for nothing.”
The Knicks could sign Robinson to an extension at any time, but for whatever reason, there hasn’t been much discussion about one. Instead, there has been more discussion about him leaving, which is a bit head-scratching.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mavericks, Pistons Linked As Suitors For Mitchell Robinson
Mitchell Robinson has proven he can be a starting center in this league as his impact defensively and on the glass makes up for his lack of offensive impact outside of dunks. Landing a player of his caliber for $12-13 million, given the current landscape of the NBA, would be a no-brainer for the New York Knicks.
He has been able to stay healthier this season, something Nerlens Noel has been unable to do. Expect New York to try and move on from Noel this offseason and re-sign Robinson. They also have rookie Jericho Sims who has been making an impact when called upon as another bouncy, above the rim player that can block shots, play on the perimeter on switches and rebound.
