The New York Knicks have found a future All-Star with Mitchell Robinson. With the center continuing to develop in his second season should the Knicks start thinking about a Robinson contract extension?
This past Saturday, at Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks defeated the Chicago Bulls to earn their 18th win on the season. Rather than relying on the vets to put them over the edge, it was Mitchell Robinson and the rising stars that put them over the top.
With the way the organization values Robinson, along with his obvious ascendance in skill level, the Knicks are going to need to prioritize extending his contract if they are going to want his talents for the foreseeable future.
In that game against the Bulls, Robinson tallied 23 points (11-16), 10 rebounds and 2 blocks. He is currently on pace to break Wilt Chamberlain‘s all time record for the best field goal percentage, as he’s currently shooting over 73% from the field. On top of that, he is among the league leaders in blocked shots.
It’s clear and obvious that Mitch is one of the few bright spots the New York Knicks have these days, and along with RJ Barrett he was one of the two “untouchable” players at the most recent trade deadline.
Robinson still has a decent amount of time left on his deal. He’s locked up for next season and has a team option for the 2021-2022 season. Despite this, the amount of uncertainty in regard to the Knicks future must be taken in to account.
After failing to obtain a superstar last summer, and a lack of spectacular talent being available in this year’s free agency it seems clear as day that the orange and blue might have to wait an extra season to make another attempt at becoming a potential playoff team.
What worries me is the possible eventual frustration that could develop inside Mitchell Robinson. Sure he’s a young player right now who’s just looking to collect minutes and make a name for himself, but as he continues to get better and become a top-tier center, he could very well get to the stage where he’s completely fed up with losing and want out. I think it’s important that the Knicks express their dedication to Robinson.
They’ve already come out and said they want him here long-term but if they show him some money now, and go forward with that trust, it could save them a good chunk of change down the road, and on top of that have your franchise center in place for the next half decade at least.
Mitchell Robinson has shown plenty of flashes of one day becoming a multi-year all-star in the National Basketball Association. If he continues to play the way he has over the past couple of weeks, the Knicks may need to think about jumping the gun.