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Mitchell Robinson isn’t taking his Knicks payday for granted

ByJordanna Clark|
Oct 14, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) dunks against Washington Wizards center Daniel Gafford (21) and forward Kyle Kuzma (33) and guard Bradley Beal (3) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 14, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) dunks against Washington Wizards center Daniel Gafford (21) and forward Kyle Kuzma (33) and guard Bradley Beal (3) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

There was uncertainty about the New York Knicks’ depth at center entering the offseason, but in free agency, New York re-signed Mitchell Robinson to a four-year, $60 million contract. The 24-year-old was selected by the Knicks in the second round of the 2018 draft, and his new deal will keep him in New York through the 2025-26 season.

After the Knicks didn’t select a center in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft, it was assumed that Robinson would be back in NYC. At the start of free agency, that was confirmed. Not only did the Knicks retain Mitch, but they also signed center Isaiah Hartenstein to a two-year deal and converted Jericho Sims’ two-way contract, so the position is no longer an issue.

Hartenstein impressed during the preseason with his ability to stretch the floor, but it was Robinson who stole the show. In Friday night’s preseason finale win over the Wizards, Mitch posted 20 points (9-for-12), 12 rebounds (nine were offensive), two blocks, and only one foul in 29 minutes.

Mitchell Robinson proves his worth in Knicks preseason after signing new contract

After Robinson signed his new contract, there were (and still are) people debating if the seven-foot center was overpaid. His deal is better than it looks, though.

And based on how he performed in the preseason, Robinson’s going to end up being worth every penny. There’s a reason why they call him Money Mitch, and there’s a reason why New York was willing to give him a $60 million deal. Robinson’s drive to get better, even after signing his new contract, is exactly what the Knicks need.

Mitch couldn’t have given a better response than that. He’s doing what he loves, and it’s a bonus that he’s pretty good at it too. He’s another example of New York’s homegrown talent. RJ Barrett officially snapped the Charlie Ward curse because he was a first-round pick, but Robinson staying with the Knicks shouldn’t be overlooked.

As Tom Thibodeau said, Mitchell Robinson is the best offensive rebounder in the league. That’s one thing that Knicks fans should be able to agree with Thibs on. The best is yet to come from Mitch.

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