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New York Knicks: Mitchell Robinson’s unwelcomed removal from lineup

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 3: RJ Barrett #9 and Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks high-five during a game against the Sacramento Kings on November 3, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 3: RJ Barrett #9 and Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks high-five during a game against the Sacramento Kings on November 3, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Mitchell Robinson was removed from the New York Knicks’ starting lineup to create space for Julius Randle. Will the second-year man return?

The latest, most surprising lineup change from coach David Fizdale was Mitchell Robinson‘s placement on the bench. He moved out for the benefit of the New York Knicks’ most expensive addition, Julius Randle, who dealt with double teams in the post and had struggled to open the season.

“He hasn’t seen [teams] running two and three people at him before,” said Fizdale, per the New York Post. “It’s just a matter of him learning how to play against those defenses and understanding how to attack them. [We’ll] see if that opens up the floor a little bit for Julius.”

As a result, Bobby Portis, a proven outside scorer, became the stretch center in Sunday’s game against the Sacramento Kings. He went just 1 of 6 for two points and six rebounds in 20 minutes. Randle had eight points and seven rebounds. Another experiment, another disappointment.

Meanwhile, Robinson saw 24 minutes off the bench, adding 10 points, four rebounds and two blocks. He still has just 19.2 minutes per game—a surprise after his year-ending stretch in 2018-19.

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The cherry on top was Sacramento, one of the NBA’s most disappointing teams so far, toppling the Knicks by 21 points at home. Something did not work, potentially forcing Fizdale’s hand to make yet another lineup change: reinserting Robinson into the starting lineup.

The Knicks have the Detroit Pistons ahead on Wednesday, meaning a date with Andre Drummond, who has 21.3 points and 19.4 rebounds per game. Randle is not the apt defender to contain him. Neither is Portis.

No one has slowed Drummond down this season, with his five 20-rebound games and eight consecutive double-doubles. If there is any player to attempt that, it is Robinson and his 2.2 blocks per game. Battling someone like Detroit’s dominant big man can also put the second-year pro in foul trouble, contributing to his 3.5 fouls per game through six appearances. Fizdale might just have to risk that instead of relying on deficient defensive players.

If not, the Knicks are playing to stretch the defense out with Portis and hope Drummond does not destroy them down low. It is a risk, but if the goal is to make Randle comfortable, New York might just roll with it and at Robinson’s expense.

Next. Four thoughts on season's worst loss. dark

The New York Knicks have more questions than answers right now, and removing one of the team’s most promising players from the starting lineup added to that conundrum. Fizdale is trying to figure everything out by the game, but whether it is Robinson, benching Allonzo Trier or mixing up point guard, most attempts have not worked.

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