CLEVELAND — Mitchell Robinson’s Journey with the Knicks
Mitchell Robinson has certainly weathered some storms during his time with the Knicks. He joined a team that struggled significantly, losing at least 45 games in three of his first four NBA seasons, and, interestingly, he wasn’t even viewed as a defender back then.
However, as the Knicks began to reshape their roster under president Leon Rose, Robinson emerged as a critical component in their transformation into a team vying for a championship.
This past Monday night, the longest-serving Knick celebrated a significant milestone, becoming part of the franchise’s first Eastern Conference championship team in 27 years. Having experienced his fair share of losing seasons, his presence proved valuable, offering perspective and influence even as the roster evolved.
In the decisive game, which ended in a 130-93 victory over the Cavaliers, Robinson had one of his standout performances of the series, contributing eight points and ten rebounds in just 18 minutes. His role shifted throughout the season; initially a starter, he transitioned to a bench position as coach Mike Brown believed the team functioned better with Josh Hart in the starting lineup.
“Mitch can start on any team in the league. He really can. If he does, there’s no telling—he could be first-team All-Defense,” Brown remarked, highlighting Robinson’s potential.
He continued, “If Mitch doesn’t buy into this role, it might not work. He makes sacrifices for the team, even if it means playing just a couple of minutes at a time. It really revolves around him.” It’s a delicate balance, and Robinson’s willingness to adapt has been key to the team’s success.
Looking ahead, this might be Robinson’s final year with the Knicks as he steps into unrestricted free agency. Yet, before thinking about the future, there’s a championship to chase. The Knicks will undoubtedly rely on him in the next round, especially if they face off against the Spurs again, reminiscent of the 1999 NBA Finals. Plus, with the prospect of Victor Wembanyama on the horizon, having Robinson’s defensive skills may prove crucial against such a formidable opponent.
