Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson quietly becoming a defensive anchor

The Knicks have had a lot to be happy about early on this season, but it’s the defense that’s taken the team to another level. The Knicks defense has been transformed under Tom Thibodeau. The team currently ranks 1st in opponent field goal percentage (43.6%), opponent 3-point field goal percentage (31.45).

The rejuvenated defense has been a team effort — The Knicks play hard, physical basketball. Thibodeau’s defense requires constant pressure and overloading on the ball-handler, and it demands his players to be in terrific physical condition.

Many Knicks have shined and exceeded their expectations this season. Julius Randle has played at an All-Star level, RJ Barrett has taken big steps forward in his game, and Immanuel Quickley has put himself into the Rookie of The Year consideration.

With the Knicks, I think both the media and fans of the team aren’t used to having multiple developments to be happy about, and it’s caused some things to go slightly unnoticed. Mitchell Robinson in particular has made some excellent strides in his game.

Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson Is Becoming A Real Rim Protector

Knicks fans who have watched Robinson for a few years now are probably thinking “Mitchell Robinson has always been a good rim protector”. Well, Robinson has always been a good shot blocker, and that’s always been a combination of freakish athleticism and length.

With that said, Robinson has made noticeable improvements in the mental aspects of his defensive game. Robinson has emphasized that he’s been working on the technical components of defense. He told the New York Post earlier in the year that he’s been working on “Having my hands up, sliding more.”

The blocks will always be there for Robinson — It’s the impact that doesn’t show up in the box score that’s been noticeable. Protecting the rim is always going to be part of a center’s job, but with Thibodeau’s defense, it makes it that much more demanding.

Thibodeau’s “Strongside” defense essentially means putting a lot of pressure on the side of the court where the ball is. This means that Robinson will often find himself creeping up towards the perimeter and towards the ball, while at the same time having to monitor the opposing center in the paint.

This leads to a lot of “Drop coverage” where Robinson is simultaneously defending the ball-handler and preventing the easy lob pass to the opposing big. If opposing offenses successfully make quick passes and beat the Knicks’ overload defense, Robinson will often find himself as the last line of defense.

Robinson has mostly been up to the challenge.

He’s not perfect yet, and will still slip up and lose his man from time to time, but the energy and physicality that he’s played with has stood out. and made a huge difference Robinson currently ranks 9th in the entire NBA in defensive win shares.

Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson is doing the little things

Not only has Robinson’s impact shown in defensive coverage, but his newfound physicality has had an impact in other areas. Robinson leads the entire NBA in boxouts per-game. 

This stat is indicative of just how draining Robinson can be to guard in the paint. Robinson’s ability to box out and create second chances have led to increased rebound numbers for both Julius Randle and RJ Barrett. He’s become a bruising player.

Robinson is getting better and better about knowing where he’s supposed to be on the court, and just as importantly, how to stay on the court by avoiding foul trouble.

We have to remember, Robinson did not play organized basketball leading up to the NBA draft. He’s always been a project player.

We’ve seen glimpses of his defensive upside, but now he’s putting in the work to take that next step. Will we ever see the famous 3-point shooting, ball-handling Mitchell Robinson we’ve seen in workout videos? 

Who knows — That part of Robinson’s game simply isn’t important right now.

What we do know that coach Thibodeau and some of the veteran leaders on the Knicks have rubbed off on Mitchell Robinson. He looks destined to become an elite defensive anchor and rim runner.