NY Knicks: Who Should Start – Mitchell Robinson or Nerlens Noel?

Making the case for NY Knicks’ Center Nerlens Noel

Nerlens Noel signed with the Knicks in November 2020 on a 1-year, $5 million deal.

Signed as a backup to Robinson, Noel stepped up big time when Robinson went down and continued the defensive dominance in the paint at MSG.

Standing at 6-feet 11-inches tall and with a 7-foot 4-inch wingspan Noel is a giant like Robinson.

His wingspan is obviously a major factor in his rim-protecting abilities, and protecting the rim is what Noel does best.

I talked a lot about Mitchell Robinson’s blocking ability, but Nerlens Noel has proven himself as an elite shot blocker.

Last season Noel finished third in the NBA in blocks per game with 2.2, behind only Myles Turner and Rudy Gobert.

Perhaps even more impressively Noel finished first in the entire NBA in defensive rating (amongst players who started at least one game).

Although his playoff performances weren’t as impressive as the regular season, he was playing a reduced role.

When many feared the Knicks’ rock-solid defense might crack with the loss of Robinson, Nerlens Noel came in and made it even more solid.

On offense, Noel played a very similar role to Robinson just slightly quieter. Lots of buckets around the rim, dunks, and lobs.

While Noel shot an impressive 65% from the field, he did take fewer shots than Robinson averaged in any season on the Knicks.

Even once he was starting, he just wasn’t as impactful on offense as Robinson (some of that could be attributed to the addition of Rose’s scoring to the lineup).

His performances in Robinson’s stead earned him a well-deserved three-year deal worth up to $31 million, with the third year being a team option.

So, after resigning, I think Noel deserves to have a big role on this team and has a ton to offer defensively.

As I said before, I think Robinson should play around 27 minutes per game which leaves about 20 minutes per game for Noel to lock down opposing big men.

It’s a decrease from his minutes last season, but I think to facilitate the continued development of Mitch, he’s going to have to play less.

He will be an elite defender off the bench as well as an aerial threat with Rose and Immanuel Quickley teeing up dunks for him with their often intoxicating passing ability.

Tom Thibodeau’s defensive strategy won’t fall off a bit with Noel stepping in for Robinson throughout the game.

Having a one-two punch of a healthy Robinson as a starting center and Noel off the bench will make for one of the best defensive frontcourt units in the league.

While not old, Noel has been around the league and can hopefully teach Robinson a few things as he grows into a potentially elite center.

Knicks fans are excited to (hopefully) get another full season of Mitchell Robinson and to watch how he develops, and they should have the peace of mind knowing when he’s not on the court,  Nerlens Noel will be.