Strides In Mitchell Robinson’s Development Have Been Made

While his blocks per game have decreased each season he has been in the NBA, Robinson has actually improved steadily as a defender over that time.

A big issue with Robinson at the beginning of his career was a lack of discipline. He would fly around the perimeter blocking jump shots and contest people at the rim, but sometimes recklessly. It often led to foul trouble, limiting the minutes he could play.

In the first season under Tom Thibodeau, he showed excellent improvement in that area.

Robinson had the lowest fouls per game total of his career last season at 2.8 per game. It led to Thibodeau being able to play him longer stretches of time, as he averaged a career-high 27.5 minutes per game.

NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Knicks’ Contract Plans For Mitchell Robinson Become Clear

After fouling out of 15 games the first two seasons of his career, and committing at least five fouls 30 times, Robinson didn’t foul out of a single game during the 2020-21 season and reached five fouls only three times.

In addition to the improvement when it came to fouling, Robinson also made strides as an overall defender and rebounder. He controlled the paint for New York, helping set the tone for the team defensively with his length and athleticism.

Robinson’s blocks per game may have been a career-low, but he was an integral part of Thibodeau’s defensive scheme as the anchor defensively.

NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Knicks’ Contract Plans For Mitchell Robinson Become Clear

The injuries that he suffered are as big of a reason as any that the New York Knicks are smart to wait on signing him to an extension. The team wants to see that he can bounce back successfully after playing in only 31 games last season before committing to him long-term.