Mitchell Robinson in Olympic form

On the market this summer as an “unprotected free agent”, Mitchell Robinson didn’t have to pack.

Extended by the Knicks for four years at $60 million, the young 24-year-old pivot could even be New York’s bargain during an offseason marked by the arrival of Jalen Brunson from Dallas. Author of a very good double-double with 20 points, 12 rebounds (including 9 offensive), 2 blocks against Washington, he is in any case in great shape. His very high level performances caught the eye of his coaching staff.

“He worked a lot, on all aspects of his game”, thus appreciates Tom Thibodeau. ” He’s making progress. On the rebounds, on the counter, he is more comfortable with the ball. Its finishes. The pressure on the circle. He set the tone from the start. »

Already an accomplice of Jalen Brunson

With a +/- of +64 when Mitchell Robinson was on the boards in their four preseason meetings, the Knicks are going to need their inside rebounder and blocker.

With a massive wingspan of 2m24, it must be the deterrent asset of New York. And, in attack, he could well have found the ideal partner in Jalen Brunson, with whom he already gets along visibly very well.

“It’s really different to work with Mitch”adds Jalen Brunson. “He works hard, and he’s a great guy off the pitch. We have been able to build our cohesion over the past two weeks, and that has also been done a lot off the pitch. We are well connected now. I look forward to being able to enjoy it during the season. He is special, I really like his presence, whether on or off the pitch. He is funny, very funny. I don’t know if he’s trying to be funny but he is. I don’t even know how to explain it, it’s just hilarious. »

fear of injury

Often slowed down by injuries during his first years in the NBA, Mitchell Robinson wants to hold the shock over the duration of the regular season. Last year, he appeared for his team’s 72 games (including 62 starts), a record for the Pensacola, Florida native. But the latter does not want to stop on such a good path…

“That’s how I progressed. For me, it’s huge but, at the same time, I know that there is still more to look for. So I will continue to work because basketball does not last forever. I want to play and enjoy it as much as possible. I am 2m13 and there are not many who play long. There is always something that goes away: the knees, the back, etc. I will work to stay as long as possible in this league. »

At the dawn of his fifth return to the NBA, Mitchell Robinson is reaching his physical maturity, hoping also to develop his technique. But the boy would especially like to discover the playoffs, he who was injured when New York reached them in 2020/21. In any case, the Knicks’ new major five seems promising…

“You also feel the impact Jalen has on the team. Especially on the incumbents, concludes Tom Thibodeau on this subject. “These five play very well together, in a really selfless way. All. Julius who brings the ball up quickly, who creates play, who moves without the ball, who creates movement and attacks the circle thrown. RJ also does a lot of good things, whether it’s on the circle attack or getting the ball up. Evan gave us good minutes as well. They’re looking for Mitch too. They play really well together. »