Breaking down why Mitchell Robinson needs to be Knicks’ free agency priority

Bringing back New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson should be a top priority for the team this upcoming offseason since he’s slated to hit free agency as the final year of his contract winds down.

The 23-year-old has shown many flashes of his offensive and defensive abilities. Robinson has yet to tap into his full potential, and could turn into an offensive juggernaut if he can stay healthy and see his role a bit more maximize.

Analyzing Mitchell Robinson’s offensive contributions to the Knicks

Robinson is highly skilled on the offensive end. The seven-foot center led the NBA in field goal percentage in the 2019-2020 season. His ability to finish in the paint consistently is one of the many reasons many Knicks fans want him as the leader on the interior. The big man is having another terrific season on the offensive side once again. Here are Robinson’s totals for this season:

• 8.2 points per game
• 3.8 offensive rebounds per game
• 76% field goal percentage

Robinson rarely misses the shots he takes, as they are mostly finishes at the rim for higher percentage looks. The lack of a reliable point guard has definitely held Robinson’s scoring back, too. If the Knicks bring in a reliable point guard, Robinson could be one of the league’s most dangerous finishers.

Mitchell Robinson’s defensive skills are crucial to the Knicks’ success

The big man is also one of the better rim protectors in the league. In Robinson’s rookie season, he averaged 2.4 blocks in just 20.4 minutes per game. Robinson’s shot-blocking ability is unquestioned. Last season he saw a dip in blocks because of lingering injuries, but over the last 10 games his numbers in that department are up. 

• 2.4 blocks per game
• 10.4 rebounds per game
• 1.3 steals per game

If Robinson can continue his stellar defense for the rest of the season, the Knicks would be foolish to let such an asset walk without getting anything in return.

Mitchell Robinson’s free agency should be a priority for the Knicks

The Knicks need Robinson more than they may realize. New York’s current centers other than Robinson include 36 year-old Taj Gibson, rookie Jericho Sims and Nerlens Noel. Gibson is on the tail end of his career, Sims isn’t anywhere near ready to start, and Noel has struggled to stay healthy. Right now, the most obvious reason to re-sign Robinson is due to a lack of talent at the center position.

At only 23 years old, Robinson still has a lot more to prove in this league. His two-way ability is what makes him so great, and he’s only just getting started even though it seems he’s been developing for a long time.

What’s going on with Nerlens Noel’s injury and timeline with Knicks return?

New York Knicks center Nerlens Noel hasn't played in a game since Feb. 7 and although he's recently been listed as available, he's not ready to return.