New York Knicks 2023-24 Player Preview: Mitchell Robinson Can Make a Big Impact

Many have placed Mitchell Robinson in hypothetical trades for a superstar but the paint-dwelling big man might have a major role to play for the New York Knicks.

Autumn in New York ... from a basketball perspective, it's finally inviting.

The New York Knicks returned to action on Wednesday night against the Boston Celtics in a game that officially opened one of the more anticipated seasons in recent metropolitan memory. New York is coming off its most successful NBA season in a decade, winning 47 games and a playoff series for the first time since 2013.

With tip-off looming, All Knicks will analyze and preview what's to come for the major contributors on the blue-and-orange roster. Part XI moves back to the interior, painting the town blue and orange with primary center Mitchell Robinson ...

Player Profile

Name: Mitchell Robinson
Position: Center
Height/Weight: 7-0, 240 lbs.
College: Western Kentucky
Experience: 6th season

The Story So Far

Real estate in New York City often centers upon expensive skyscrapers. Having hosted the legendary hardwood exploits of tall talents like Patrick Ewing and Charles Oakley, the New York Knicks are no exception. 

Mitchell Robinson is the latest to fill the role, having starred as the Knicks' primary center in each of the past two seasons despite no college basketball experience. He has made his home within the immediate vicinity of the basket with almost all of his successful shots (over 98 percent) coming no further than 10 feet away. 

Such antics, which also include finishing second on the Association's offensive rebounding rankings in consecutive seasons, have paved the way for Robinson to post the highest offensive rating among qualified Knicks in franchise history. Robinson's most impactful moments, however, have come on the defensive front, as he has put his unique frame to use to the tune of averaging over two blacks a game over his first six games.

Yet, there is an aura of discontent to Robinson's metropolitan, a quiet storm brought about by a desire to do more in the offensive game and losing the final minutes of some games to newcomer Isaiah Hartenstein. 

The idea of both forcing Robinson into a basketball box and the idea that the traditional center is becoming an increasingly endangered species has caused many to believe that he would be among the first to go in a trade for a bona fide superstar. Robinson has been vocal about his apparent displeasure, taking to different forms of social media for various grievances over the past few seasons. 

In spite of the relative controversy, Robinson's accomplishments are starting to gain recognition, as experts at ESPN had him round out their annual ranking of the NBA's top 100 players.

They Said It

“I think what he provides oftentimes is not recognized by the outside world. But I think, with his teammates and coaching staff, we understand how important he is to our team. There is great value and he is appreciated for the things that he does bring ... just continue to grow, learn, get better. I don’t want anyone to be satisfied with where they are. I want him to concentrate on that improvement.”-Tom Thibodeau on Robinson's future impact (h/t Steve Popper, Newsday)

“Oftentimes people will overlook what Mitch brings to the team and I think it’s a big mistake. I think he brings great value to the team because of offensive rebounding, the pressure on the rim, the screening. Those things are huge for our offense. When you understand the value of shots, the kick-out threes, getting to the free-throw line, getting to the bonus early each quarter, those are things that help you win.”-Thibodeau (h/t Steve Popper, Newsday)

2023-24 Forecast

Much like their frozen blue counterparts, it'd be silly to fully deny the Knicks any form of physicality and grit. Robinson has dutifully filled the duties of a traditional NBA center and, to his credit, he's shown a willingness to expand his repertoire beyond the restricted zone, even if he hasn't broadcasted such desires in the most graceful way possible.

Like so many others on the Knicks roster (pretty much anyone not named Brunson, DiVincenzo, or Hart, and the latter two are protected only by contract caveats), it remains to be seen whether Robinson's true NBA takeover is staged in New York or elsewhere. Frankly, however, few teams stand to benefit from employing the services of a traditional center than the Knicks. 

Robinson may have to prove to both himself and the Knicks, however, that he's capable of playing the vital final minutes, having given way to Hartenstein far too often last year. No one's expecting Robinson to become, say, Channing Frye. But moving his game beyond the paint could help secure his professional future.

Previous Previews

• RJ Barrett
• Jalen Brunson
• Donte DiVincenzo
• Evan Fournier
• Quentin Grimes
• Josh Hart
• Isaiah Hartenstein
• Miles McBride
• Immanuel Quickley
• Julius Randle