The NBA has undergone its three-point revolution. How has that affected the big man? Is rim protection overrated? It depends on who you ask. Some will suggest that, with so many three-point attempts being from deep, having interior defense isn’t as important as it used to be.
Others will disagree. They’ll say that taking away dunks and layups is still vital. With a strong last line of defense, perimeter defenders can more easily close-out three-pointers.
The New Orleans Pelicans seem to subscribe to the latter philosophy. By all accounts, they’re looking to acquire a defensive anchor at the 5 this summer. How about Mitchell Robinson of the New York Knicks?
The Trade Proposal
New York Knicks Receive: F/C Larry Nance Jr., G Kira Lewis Jr., 2024 First-Round Pick (LAL via NOP)
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: C Mitchell Robinson
Of course, the NBA is always changing. Arguably, trying to follow the trends is a fool’s errand. Imagine if the Denver Nuggets had insisted on rostering a defensive big. Surely, they wouldn’t have kept Nikola Jokic. For years, he was seen as a liability.
With that said, the Nuggets may not have won a title if he hadn’t improved on the defensive end. He did, and the Nuggets won as a result. Will Jokic start a trend?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Mitchell Robinson, New Orleans Pelicans & New York Knicks Updates
It’s hard to say. Having a passing hub at the 5 certainly poses advantages. Jokic draws his assignment out of the paint, which leaves it more open for cutters – who he’ll always find. With that said, we don’t expect the rim protector to die, either. Should the Knicks part with one of the league’s best interior defenders?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
The Knicks may not want to do this deal. Robinson is on track to be one of the best defensive bigs in the NBA. With that said, there have been reports that he’s unhappy with his role in New York. If so, the Knicks may want to move him. Having a disgruntled player on the roster is always a concern.
Meanwhile, the Knicks have Isaiah Hartenstein on the roster. He’s not as impactful as Robinson, but if he’s content with a low usage role, there’s some logic in prioritizing him.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Mitchell Robinson, New Orleans Pelicans & New York Knicks Updates
Especially if they’re getting a good return for Robinson. Nance Jr. is a great defensive player in his own right. He’s not a primary rim protector like Robinson, but he can guard multiple positions. Throw in an unprotected first-rounder, and this deal could have the Knicks moving on from Robinson. Should the Pelicans acquire him?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
Well, the Pelicans are getting one of the best defensive big men in the NBA. If they’re not committed to Jonas Valanciunas as a starter, we can’t blame them. For all of his offensive talents, Zion Williamson is a poor defender. Valanciunas has the same profile, but obviously, he’s not as important to their offense.
Besides, why can’t Valanciunas be a sixth man? He could carry this team’s second unit as well as any guard. In the meantime, Robinson would be a more appropriate starter.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Mitchell Robinson, New Orleans Pelicans & New York Knicks Updates
In fact, few big men around the league can cover for Williamson as well. Meanwhile, the Pelicans have a number of strong defensive wings to support Robinson. In today’s game, you need those too.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
