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New York Knicks: Bobby Portis says Mitchell Robinson is the starting center

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 26: Mitchell Robinson #26 of the New York Knicks looks on during the first half of the game against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden on February 26, 2019 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 26: Mitchell Robinson #26 of the New York Knicks looks on during the first half of the game against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden on February 26, 2019 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Bobby Portis revealed the New York Knicks’ early plan to have Mitchell Robinson as the starting center. What does it mean for everyone else in the frontcourt rotation?

When Bobby Portis signed with the New York Knicks, it clouded the team’s frontcourt situation. Julius Randle had already reportedly agreed to a deal, and Marcus Morris and Taj Gibson followed after the former Chicago Bull.

Anything could have been opened by a 17-65 record, including Portis potentially starting to open the next season; however, he confirmed otherwise.

In an interview with Marc Berman of the New York Post, the four-year big man confirmed that not only will he come off the bench, but Mitchell Robinson is the starting center.

"During his Knicks meetings June 30 in L.A., Portis was told by brass Robinson was starting center.“Julius [Randle] and Mitchell will probably be starting power forward and center, but we have a lot of weapons coming off the bench that will be fun to watch,” Portis said. “I go out and play with a ton of passion and play the right way. In the amount of minutes, 20 to 26, I can affect the game in a lot of positive ways.”"

While arguably not a surprise, the Knicks still cluttered their frontcourt with four signings that can impact who starts down the road. Robinson especially, since Randle was given the most lucrative salary of the bunch.

After everything he showed as a rookie, though, Robinson is the ideal and only player that makes sense to start at center, while Portis takes a main reserve role behind the tantalizing seven-footer and Randle.

7.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks were Robinson’s final averages for 2018-19, but after the January 31 Kristaps Porzingis trade, he had 9.8 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game in 24.5 minutes. The foul trouble persisted, but as a raw rookie, this was more than enough to establish himself as a piece of the future.

Plus, Robinson started the season’s final seven games and averaged 11 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.6 blocks.

The only fluctuating factor is how much playing time the 21 year old receives. The Knicks can float Gibson, Morris, Portis, Randle and Kevin Knox around the frontcourt, and fouling woes remain a part of Robinson’s development to watch. There are players to replace him if that happens, which may limit his on-court minutes at times.

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Robinson is still one of the team’s most intriguing pieces for the upcoming season, and if he expands his game and stays as this shot-blocking force, there will be zero chance of the New York Knicks replacing him in the starting lineup, whether for Portis, Morris or someone else.

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