New York Knicks: Why Mitchell Robinson should not be on the trade block

2) Defensive stars make a difference

Even casual basketball fans understand that the NBA has made a major transition in style of play. Strategies like posting up, playing slow, and starting a “traditional” big man are aspects of a by-gone era. The entire league is now predicated on perimeter players, three-point shooting, and fast pace.

However, contrary to what you may hear, there is still a place for players like Robinson to be building blocks in the modern NBA. Need an example? There are plenty!

Look at the surprise Eastern Conference Champion Miami Heat. While the franchise has a deep and talented roster that features an All-Star in Jimmy Butler, there is little doubt that center Bam Adebayo is a critical piece to the puzzle. For the record, Adebayo is the league’s best current combination of size, rim protection, and perimeter defensive ability. I think it’s possible for Robinson to one day reach his level.

What about Rudy Gobert in Utah? He is another All-Star caliber center that makes a major difference for his team. In fact, one could argue that the perennial postseason contenting Jazz would be a lottery level team without his ability to anchor the defense and compliment Donovan Mitchell.

While he is infinitely more offensively gifted than Robinson, Lakers’ superstar Anthony Davis also makes a monstrously noticeable impact on the defensive end.