New York Knicks: Next steps in Mitchell Robinson’s development
By Adam Kester
Mitchell Robinson’s development: 3) Expanding his offensive arsenal
We’ve all seen the videos. Mitchell Robinson going full James Harden in the open gym, hitting step-back threes. Let me just say it now, that isn’t happening in an NBA game anytime soon.
Do I think Robinson has the potential to shoot three-pointers down the line? Absolutely. He just has a long way to go until he gets there.
Robinson’s new agent Rich Paul had some great insights about how he sees Robinson’s development when he spoke to Marc Berman of the New York Post in April. Paul said:
"“You have to understand schemes defensively, very detailed things like the art of setting screens, the art in decision-making as a big man in how you roll. What passes to look for, proper defensive adjustments.” “It’s a lot of things to learn. Once he’s able to learn those things, he’ll then be in a position to showcase other talents he has. He can take the outside shot, put the ball on the floor, post. You don’t want to rush into that. You have to understand the details of the game first.”"
Rich Paul’s comments on Robinson’s development are insightful. They pertain to many of the potential improvements to Robinson’s game I’ve already mentioned.
There are plenty of notable bigs who didn’t start shooting threes until the middle of their NBA career. Serge Ibaka didn’t start attempting at least one three-pointer a game until his 6th season. Brook Lopez started shooting threes in his 9th season, and his brother, former Knick Robin Lopez, just started to shoot them this season. There are just a few of the countless examples
Before if he attempts to get there, Robinson must start smaller. While his free throw percentage isn’t encouraging, Robinson does seem to have a nice touch on his shot.
However awkward it may look sometimes, Robinson can work on things like hook shots and baseline jumps shots. These are realistic weapons that many big men who are far less athletic than Robinson learn with consistent training and technique. They are the kinds of tools that can take him from averaging just under 10 points per game to 16 points per game.
Whether or not Robinson can one day shoot step back three-pointers in an NBA game doesn’t matter. He is already posting terrific numbers with a very unrefined game. What matters is that he continues to improve his basketball IQ and technique. Mitch has all of the raw talent in the world to become a consistently dominant player.
Proper coaching and dedication to both offensive and defensive fundamentals could see Mitchell Robinson make the leap from a promising prospect to one of the best centers in the league by next season.