Shortly after rumor surfaced that negotiations were ongoing, the New York Knicks officially signed rookie center Mitchell Robinson to a multi-year contract.
The New York Knicks took a massive leap of faith by selecting Mitchell Robinson in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft. Robinson possesses undeniably promising two-way potential, but he didn’t play a single minute of organized competitive basketball in 2017-18.
Less than 24 hours after he put Summer League on notice with a riveting performance, the Knicks have ensured that Robinson will have a fair opportunity to prove himself.
Robinson was one of the top 10 recruits in the country coming out of high school. He was heralded for his dominant rim protection, expanding offensive game, and unique combination of a 7’4″ wingspan and effortlessly explosive athleticism.
In a tweet posted by the team’s official Twitter account, it was revealed that Robinson has officially signed a contract with the Knicks.
The ink is dry ✍️ Welcome, officially @23savage____ 🤝 pic.twitter.com/3r7Y6fJLs9
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) July 8, 2018
Ian Begley of ESPN New York previously reported that Robinson and the franchise were negotiating a multi-year deal that will include multiple team options.
The Knicks and second-round pick Mitchell Robinson are finalizing a multi-year agreement that’s expected to include team options, per ESPN sources. More: https://t.co/yZrfrn7HdS
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) July 8, 2018
Per Marc Berman of The New York Post, it will be a four-year contract with team options for the third and fourth seasons.
Update on Mitchell Robinson contract: Not all of the $4.8 million in the first three years of his deal is guaranteed. Third year is not fully guaranteed.
— Marc Berman (@NYPost_Berman) July 8, 2018
If Berman’s report proves true, the Knicks will have created the opportunity to develop Robinson over the course of multiple seasons.
Robinson stands at somewhere in the vicinity of 7’0″ with a massive 7’4″ wingspan. He boasts athleticism that’s been described as, “In the top one percentile,” by head coach David Fizdale—an individual who spent multiple seasons with super-athlete LeBron James.
Robinson certainly put his physical gifts on display during the 2018 Summer League opener, when he recorded nine points, eight rebounds, and four blocks in 27 minutes.
Robinson played above the rim with relative ease, even throwing down a windmill dunk that didn’t count, but still brought the crowd to its feet.
There are areas in which Robinson must improve, but that’s true of every incoming rookie. The pros far outweigh the cons in terms of his long-term potential, including an ability to knock down the outside shot—one that’s preently limited to practice, but remains intriguing.
With a head coach who specializes in personnel development, the Knicks could conceivablyhelp Robinson realize his two-way potential.
Must Read: Who stepped up in the 2018 Summer League opener?
Having earned comparisons to Clint Capela and DeAndre Jordan, it’s easy to see why the New York Knicks have signed Mitchell Robinson to a long-term deal.