As the Knicks gear up for the 2024-25 NBA season, Mitchell Robinson is positioned as the team’s potential X-Factor. With Isaiah Hartenstein’s departure, Robinson finds himself in the spotlight, facing mounting pressure. The critical question looms: can he rise to the occasion and become the Knicks’ X-Factor, or will his injury history jeopardize the team’s championship ambitions?
Is Mitchell Robinson the Knicks’ X-Factor for 2024-25 or a Potential Downfall?
Mitchell Robinson’s role as the starting center for the Knicks is now under intense scrutiny. He’s missed a staggering 125 games over the past four seasons and sat out seven crucial playoff games this year. This injury-prone history is more than just a footnote; it’s a major concern for a team with championship dreams. The Knicks are painfully aware that without Robinson, their options are limited to Precious Achiuwa and third-stringer Jericho Sims. The departure of Hartenstein, who had been a reliable fill-in and offensive contributor, has left a gaping hole in the Knicks’ lineup.
Robinson’s inability to stay on the court opened doors for Hartenstein, who flourished in a starting role. The Knicks’ efforts to re-sign Hartenstein even led to trade discussions involving Robinson. While the Knicks will miss Hartenstein’s depth and offensive prowess, Robinson offers a unique skill set when healthy. His athleticism and physicality are tough to match, particularly his prowess as an offensive rebounder. Teams often find themselves devising strategies to keep the 7-footer off the boards.
Defensively, Robinson has made strides. Despite a drop in block numbers, he has become a more formidable presence in the paint. His 7-foot-4 wingspan was especially evident against Joel Embiid in the 2023-24 playoffs. Yet, Robinson’s defensive abilities are somewhat overshadowed by his offensive limitations. He’s a career 51.8 percent free-throw shooter, and his performance has deteriorated, shooting a career-low 40.9 percent last season. This deficiency could be a critical flaw during clutch moments.
Additionally, Robinson struggles with perimeter defense, an area where Eastern Conference rivals like the Celtics and Bucks excel. This limitation could be exploited by teams with floor-spacing centers.
For Robinson to truly shine, the Knicks need to utilize his vertical threat effectively. He’s a rim runner with elite athleticism, a trait that has not been fully capitalized on in the Tom Thibodeau era. Last season, Robinson converted just 16 alley-oops, a far cry from his 88 finishes in his second season. Incorporating more pick-and-roll plays could unleash his potential as a lob threat.
The recent signing of Achiuwa, who waived his no-trade clause, provides the Knicks with in-season flexibility. Should Robinson falter or face further injury, the Knicks could explore trading Achiuwa for a long-term solution at center.
In essence, Mitchell Robinson’s health and performance will be pivotal for the Knicks. If he can stay on the court and make a meaningful impact, the Knicks’ path to success becomes clearer. However, if injuries or inconsistency plague him, the team’s championship hopes might be dashed before they even begin.
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