6. Mitchell Robinson takes backup center role after the All-Star break
Mitchell Robinson has only appeared in the summer league games, but in this limited dose, he flashed with averages of 13 points and 12 rebounds to showcase preliminary ability to be part of the New York Knicks future.
The regular season is different, of course, with full rosters of basketball’s best players, rather than rookies or those fighting for a spot in the NBA, the G League or overseas. So how will Robinson stand against a higher level of play?
New York’s plan for Robinson remains to be seen, but without a year of collegiate basketball, a start in the G League could be in the cards. That does not remove the possibility of an extended NBA run in 2018-19, especially if the Knicks struggle before the All-Star break.
The mid-February gap between games allows teams to reassess their plans, and if the Knicks feel it’s time to give the young players a larger run, it could become Robinson’s opportunity to shine. That’s pending a productive run with Westchester.
There’s no concrete center rotation behind Enes Kanter, the projected starter, so if Noah Vonleh or other players do not produce adequate results on their low-risk contracts, Robinson’s chance may arrive for the rest of 2018-19 and a trial for 2019-20.
If Trey Burke’s words were any indication, the Knicks could have an intriguing big man on their hands. If it’s a down season, the future can shine in an extended role.