New York Knicks: Mitchell Robinson is the team’s X-Factor

New York Knicks starting center Mitchell Robinson is the team’s X-Factor for the 2021-22 NBA season.

The 23-year-old Knicks starting center is known for his freakish athleticism and rim-protecting ability while being one of the best lob threats in the NBA.

New York Knicks: Mitchell Robinson is asserting himself

The New York Knicks were missing Robinson for most of last season, with both a wrist fracture then later breaking his ankle.  It was clear that he was needed by the team, as despite Nerlens Noel playing well, the Knicks needed Robinson very severely in the playoffs.

During the playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks, I was adamant that the Knicks needed to stop Clint Capela if they wanted to win.  Capela was just a better athlete than Noel, and it created lob threats that only Robinson could have stopped.

Robinson being faster than almost every center in the league, mixed with his ability to make defenders wary of going into the paint, mesh perfectly with Tom Thibodeau’s defense-first coaching style.

On the offensive end, Robinson is one of the most dangerous offensive rebounders in the NBA. As mentioned by Adam Kester when discussing the Knicks frontcourt, Robinson was 4th in offensive rebounds per game before getting hurt last season.

Starting off the season against the Boston Celtics with a double-double of 11 points and 17 rebounds, 5 coming on the offensive end is much more than what’s expected of a guy coming off of an injury.

Robinson gave the New York Knicks second chances in a double-overtime game, the types of games you need second chances the most.

After opening day, Tom Thibodeau said that we’ve only seen “the tip of the iceberg” with Mitch.

That statement becomes even more exciting when you realize Robinson has started off this season, averaging 9 points and 12 rebounds on 80% shooting from the field.  You read that right, EIGHTY PERCENT!

Robinson is a force of nature who, once he is under the hoop, rarely ever misses a shot.  The mix of his jumping ability and long arms make it essentially impossible for defenders to stop Robinson once he gets in position for an offensive rebound or putback.

It feels like every year since the aptly nicknamed Block Ness Monster came into the NBA, the Knicks have been better when he’s on the court.

The advanced numbers back this up also.  According to Basketball-Reference, out of players with meaningful minutes, Robinson has the best offensive rating on the team at 142 and the second-best defensive rating with a 102, only trailing Julius Randle’s 99.

When Mitchell Robinson is on the court, the Knicks are better.  He had unfortunate luck with injuries all last season, but he is the key to the Knicks making a second-round appearance in the playoffs if he can stay healthy.