The New York Knicks are likely thankful that they’ve kept Mitchell Robinson on their roster.
The Thanksgiving season is about taking some time to stop and reflect on blessings that could other be taken for granted. For the New York Knicks, that gift is undoubtedly starting center Mitchell Robinson.
A recent post from Bleacher Report outlined each NBA team’s Thanksgiving blessing and Robinson stands as New York’s.
“Mitchell Robinson has been the New York Knicks’ best player,” Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale writes. “Jalen Brunson is quickly catching up and far more important, and the RJ Barrett decision-making turn is legitimate. Wire-to-wire, though, Robinson has been more consistent and dominant than anyone.”
Robinson, the longest-tenured Knick at six seasons, has averaged only 6.6 points but his rebounding has topped the NBA charts: entering the Knicks’ Thanksgiving break, he’s pulling in 11.6 a game, fifth-best in the Association. He also leads all rebounders in offensive boards at 85 total after ranking second in the category in each of the last two seasons.
“According to PBP Stats, he’s boarding 24.7 percent of the Knicks’ missed twos, including 29.2 percent on missed rim attempts and 25.0 percent of missed twos between four and 14 feet,” Favale said. “That’s a huge deal considering they’re 30th in rim efficiency, 25th in short mid-range efficiency and 23rd in first-chance half-court offense. He’s also snaring 11.06 percent of New York’s missed threes.”
Robinson’s dominance on the boards can’t be understated and the Knicks should not be taking it for granted. In addition to his rebounding prowess, he has also had a major role in the Knicks’ defensive efforts, which have allowed 105.8 points a game this season, tied for the least in the NBA.
Robinson and the Knicks (8-6) will be back in action at Madison Square Garden on Friday against Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat in In-Season Tournament action (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN/MSG).
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