More Evaluation Is Needed For New York Knicks

It is also fair to evaluate where Robinson stands in the pecking order when it comes to the team’s future core. He may no longer be in the team’s top-five, with Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Obi Toppin all making a case, New draft picks Quentin Grimes, Deuce McBride and Jericho Sims may also make their way onto that list.

While Robinson is an elite defender, his archetype of center has been going by the wayside in the NBA. The modern version of the league puts an emphasis on centers that can pass, score or shoot the ball. Offensively, Robinson doesn’t offer much outside of put-back dunks and alley-oops.

To be fair, Thibodeau’s schemes don’t ask centers to do much more than that. He fits what the head coach wants from the center position. But, expanding his offensive repertoire certainly would improve his chances of landing that extension.

Thibodeau did laud Robinson for maximizing his time during his recovery and rehab, so it is encouraging to know that he still put in the work despite not being able to play in games.

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

While there are certainly elite qualities to Robinson’s game, his ceiling is currently capped lower than other young centers given his limitations offensively. If he can show the same strides on that side of the court as he has defensively, the New York Knicks will have no hesitations about handing him an extension at some point before the deadline.