Mike Brown seems quite confident about using the dual big-man lineup of Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson. They started together for the Knicks in their first three preseason games, and it looks like Brown plans to keep them in the same frontcourt regularly for the upcoming season.
“It just brings a different dimension,” Brown remarked recently.
In the previous season, former coach Tom Thibodeau didn’t really utilize this pair during regular games, mainly because Robinson played only 17 times following ankle surgery. However, they did have moments together when the Knicks made it to the Eastern Conference Finals.
During that period, they logged 165 minutes on the court together and had a positive NET rating of plus-4.4, indicating that the Knicks outscored opponents by that margin per 100 possessions when they played together.
“Playing with two big players is going to be exciting to watch,” Robinson said, adding that he practiced it a bit last year and had some success. He seems eager to see how it all unfolds.
Brown appreciates this combination for a few reasons. For one, Towns can effectively occupy different positions, which complicates things for opposing defenses that typically stack against a starting center. Pairing Towns with four other players also enhances the Knicks’ shooting range.
“Second, just the length on the floor is impressive. With KAT at the 4, OG [Anunoby] at 3, and Mikal [Bridges], we have a big, lengthy team with many interchangeable pieces,” Brown said. He believes this setup will create offensive opportunities not just for Towns but for the entire team, enhancing their chances for offensive rebounds, which he identifies as a key strength.
Robinson has drawn high praise from Brown, especially for his rim protection and rebounding prowess, coming off an impressive playoff performance where he averaged 4.7 points and 7.1 rebounds with a notable NET rating of plus-2.7.
The coach thinks the 7-footer could excel in a faster-paced system. In light of this, Robinson has adjusted his summer training routine, focusing on running in hilly terrain to improve his conditioning.
“First off, he’s a fantastic runner—like, not just okay, but truly great,” Brown stated. He emphasized the need for Robinson to keep up the pace, suggesting that while they may not always play at high speed, it’s a goal. “Mitch is, I’d guess, probably the best vertical threat I’ve encountered. Antonio McDyess was incredible too,” he added.
“If you just toss the ball out there, he’ll go get it. You might think it’s a poor pass, but he surprises you by catching it with one hand and finishing.” Brown thinks Robinson’s vertical ability will be a major asset this season and admits it exceeds his expectations.
