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Knicks big man labeled as ‘under the radar’ 2024 Olympics candidate

By Jordanna Clark

Jul 25, 2021; Saitama, Japan; A Tokyo 2020 basketball swoops through the net during warmups before the Team France vs Team United States mens basketball game during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Saitama Super Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Network
Jul 25, 2021; Saitama, Japan; A Tokyo 2020 basketball swoops through the net during warmups before the Team France vs Team United States mens basketball game during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Saitama Super Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Network /
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LeBron James is assembling a super squad for the 2024 Paris Olympics, and if his wishes come to fruition, there likely won’t be a New York Knicks player on the roster. Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart represented Team USA at the 2023 World Cup, which resulted in a disappointing fourth-place finish.

The United States’ A team wasn’t on the floor in the Philippines this summer, but they could be in France next summer. The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Joe Vardon reported that Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, Jayson Tatum, and Draymond Green are “prepared to commit” (subscription required) to next year’s Olympics with LeBron.

Team USA’s biggest issue at the World Cup was a lack of size and rebounding, and ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that the U.S. has been working to recruit Joel Embiid to commit to the Olympics. Embiid’s been “noncommital” as he holds citizenship in France and the United States. Bam Adebayo is another option for Team USA.

Outside of Adebayo, Zach Lowe and Tim MacMahon discussed players who could represent the U.S. next year and listed Mitchell Robinson as an “under the radar” option.

Tim MacMahon lists Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson as “under the radar” option for 2024 Olympics

Tim MacMahon didn’t hesitate to say Mitchell Robinson’s name and credit his rim protection and rebounding. The 2023 World Cup team could’ve used him down low this summer, as Jaren Jackson Jr. averaged a poor 2.9 rebounds per game.

Robinson is New York’s defensive anchor and one of the best offensive rebounders in the league. He dominated Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley down low in the first round of the playoffs, even though talk leading up to the series was about how the Cavaliers duo would overpower the Knicks.

While it’d be instrumental for Robinson’s career if he were invited to join the 2024 Olympics roster, it’s still a long shot. His health is the top priority, and assuming he’ll be physically ready to compete in France after an 82-game regular season and what will hopefully be a deep playoff run is asking a lot.

Still, it’s nice to see Mitchell Robinson mentioned as a possible option for the Olympics. He went from being a second-round pick in 2018 to the Knicks’ starting center, and he signed a four-year, $60 million contract in free agency last year.

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