Why the New York Knicks shouldn’t dangle Mitchell Robinson in trade offers.
The transition into the NBA offseason has allowed the New York Knicks to do what they do best: dream of a rebuilding around a superstar.
Fans of the team are keenly aware of the purgatory that has plagued the organization since the Carmelo Anthony era. Many would even argue the dysfunction dates back to the franchise’s appearances in NBA Finals in the 1990s.
This particular offseason, the Knicks have been the focus of a plethora of rumors regarding the acquisition of an established All-Star via trade. Players like Russell Westbrook, Victor Oladipo, John Wall, DeMar DeRozan (which I recently wrote about here), and others have given fans hope the team may be on the verge of real postseason contention.
While this is certainly encouraging, there is one particular rumor that is concerning: a potential trade of center Mitchell Robinson. One incarnation of this type of deal speculates that Robinson could be shipped to Golden State in a package that would land the Knicks the #2 overall pick in the 2020 Draft.
Here are three reasons the Knicks should avoid parting ways with their budding star.
1) He is a potential future Defensive Player of the Year
This is not hyperbole. Fans have seen glimpses of Robinson’s potential during his first two seasons in the NBA. Despite playing just 22 minutes per game since his debut, he recorded the fourth most blocked shots (161) in his rookie season and sixth highest total (119) in his sophomore campaign.
His 7-foot-1 frame and incredible 7’4″ wingspan allow him to be one of the few true game-changing paint protectors in the modern NBA. He forces the opposing offense to adapt every time he sets foot on the court.
However, Robinson’s defensive potential goes far beyond his shot-blocking powers. He is also remarkably agile for a player of his size. This trait separates the top-tier defensive big men from the rest of the positional competition. Most seven footers make an impact around the rim. However, very few have the ability to stay with quicker wing players when they are caught on a switch.
This is an area where Robinson excels. And where he can continue to grow and develop. While most players his size look awkward as they move and run, Robinson has an uncommon fluidity and grace. His adequate foot speed combined with his length and athleticism make him capable of steadying the defense in any situation.
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.
3) He has clear room to develop
This is a major source of frustration for Knicks fans: we see Robinson’s potential; we understand that he is likely our most valuable asset; and yet, for two full seasons, we have seen him receive very little playing time.
The aforementioned 22 minutes per game must change this season. It’s time to take off the training wheels and give the budding star a chance at significant playing time. He deserves the chance to develop his talent, to learn to play while in foul trouble, and build game-level endurance.
Thankfully new head coach Tom Thibodeau is famous for playing his starters heavy minutes. Hopefully, this will give Robinson a chance to see a noticeable increase in minutes. By extension, this should also allow him to ascend to the rank of the league leaders in block shots. He could even lead the league as early as next season. He should also see a rise in his scoring and rebounding numbers.
Conclusion
Giving up on this type of talent in order to land one of the assets listed above seems like an incredibly short sided move. To be clear, I would consider trading Robinson under one set of circumstances: if the Knicks receive a young, franchise-caliber player in return. While stars like Westbrook, Oladipo, and DeRozan are quite skilled, they each carry baggage and question marks. They would help the Knicks contend for a postseason berth, but not a championship. These players could also likely be acquired for lesser assets.
I am also not convinced the number two overall pick will land the team a generational talent. The Knicks front office would be wise to remove Robinson from any trade speculation and focus on building around him in 2021 and beyond.