Mitchell Robinson: The Knicks' Game-Changer Returns
The New York Knicks have navigated the past couple of seasons with a significant piece missing: Mitchell Robinson. Known for his elite offensive rebounding, Robinson's absence was felt deeply as the team struggled to replicate his impact on both ends of the court.
While Karl-Anthony Towns has been a formidable presence for the Knicks, the team has often pondered what the dynamic duo of Towns and Robinson could achieve together. Now, they’re about to find out.
Robinson made a timely return for the 2024 and 2025 NBA Playoffs, but missing significant chunks of both regular seasons left its mark. Particularly in the 2024-25 season, Robinson was sidelined until late February and didn’t quite hit his stride upon returning.
Fast forward to the 2025-26 season, and Robinson has been a key player in 54 of the Knicks' 73 games. He's back to being the powerhouse they need, especially as the playoffs loom.
Robinson is averaging 5.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, 4.4 offensive boards, 1.1 blocks, and 0.9 steals in just 19.5 minutes per game. But those numbers only tell part of the story. His impact on the offensive glass is nothing short of extraordinary, and defensively, he's a game-changer.
The Knicks face a crucial question: Can they navigate Robinson's free throw struggles and maximize his playoff potential?
Robinson’s Impact: A Double-Edged Sword
Robinson's contribution is best captured by his per-36-minute stats: 10.1 points, 16.4 rebounds, 8.0 offensive rebounds, 1.7 assists, 2.1 blocks, and 1.6 steals. His prowess as an offensive rebounder and defensive stalwart is evident in every game.
According to Basketball Index, Robinson ranks impressively high in several defensive categories: 90th percentile in rim protection, 79th in rim disruption, and 75th in rim deterrence. His defensive rebounding is elite, sitting in the 95th percentile, and he leads the NBA in offensive rebounds per 75 possessions.
The Knicks thrive with Robinson on the floor, averaging 20.9 second-chance points per 100 possessions, a figure that drops to 14.6 when he isn’t playing.
The looming question is whether Robinson can deliver in the postseason. His free throw shooting sits at a concerning 38.7 percent, and he’s been quieter against top contenders like the Celtics and Pistons this season.
As the playoffs approach, the Knicks hope Robinson's strengths will shine, showcasing the game-breaking talent he truly is.