Mitchell Robinson

Knicks’ Nerlens Noel will have shot at starting center job

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nerlens noel, knicks

Heading into the 2021-22 season, the expected starter at center for the New York Knicks is Mitchell Robinson, but don’t rule out the scenario where Nerlens Noel makes a mad dash at the job himself. Noel was a godsend for the Knicks last season for a variety of reasons, but none more important than his defensive attributes that lead him to his most productive year yet.

According to Michael Scotto of USA Today, the defensive-minded big man will have his fair shot at the starting gig:

In bringing Nerlens Noel back, I was told Nerlens wasn’t promised the starting center spot, but he’ll have a chance to compete for it, and he’ll definitely play meaningful minutes in New York’s rotation.

The Knicks think so highly of Noel, they rewarded him with a three-year, $27.7 million deal this off-season. Considering he’s earning about 10-times as much as Robinson going forward, the only realistic assumption is that he will be gunning for starting minutes. However, Robinson has a heroic return planned, with the Defensive Player of the Year award as his primary objective.

Robinson has been vocal about his increase in muscle mass, which should provide more physicality in the paint against power forwards and scoring centers. Nerlens, though, averaged 2.2 blocks per game last season over 64 games.

The 3-year veteran is capable of even higher block percentages, recording 2.4 during his rookie season in 2018. Since then, he hasn’t played in over 61 games in a season, featuring in just 31 last year before suffering a broken hand. Shortly after his return, Mitch fractured his foot, ending a hopeful season prematurely.

Last year’s numbers saw him post 8.3 points, 1.5 blocks, 8.1 rebounds, and shoot 65% from the field. He played a career-high 27.5 minutes before the injuries began to take over. He has a clear-cut path to be the Knicks’ primary big man, but his success relies entirely on health. Robinson has the tangible traits and capabilities to be a fantastic center in the NBA, but he just needs to remain healthy and available. Noel proved to be a warrior last year, and there’s no question he will give Robinson a run for his money, which could end up being a positive factor to bring out the best in both players.

3 bold Knicks predictions for the 2021-22 regular season

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new york knicks, rj barrett

The New York Knicks are entering the 2021-22 season with elevated expectations and plenty of talent to justify their goals. After earning the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference, the Knicks are looking to make an even deeper run this upcoming season, and signing Evan Fournier, and Kemba Walker should back up that assessment.

Let’s take a look at three bold predictions they could see several young players make an even bigger impact.

Three bold predictions for the Knicks next season:

1.) RJ Barrett will lead the team in 3-PT percentage

Last season, second-year shooting guard RJ Barrett ended up being one of the team’s best three-point shooters. He finished the season, hitting on 40% of his shots from three after connecting on 32% during his rookie campaign in 2019. Attempting 4.3 shots from range per game, he connected on 1.7, posting 17.6 total points. His corner three-point shot was lethal for a team that desperately needed him to improve from beyond on the rim.

Barrett ranked fifth on the team among players who averaged 10+ minutes per contest. He sat behind Alec Berks, Julius Randle, Derrick Rose, and Reggie Bullock. He was only 1.4% away from being the team’s top three-point shooter, and that is a goal he’s looking to accomplish this upcoming season. Working on his shot creation and shooting fundamentals, Barrett leading the team in that category, would see his value skyrocket at 21 years old.

2.) Immanuel Quickley will average 15+ points per game

Second air player Immanuel Quickley had himself a solid Summer League running point, averaging 20.2 points per game over 33.5 minutes. Quickley averaged 11.4 points last season over 19.4 minutes per game, and both of those statistics could see an increase next season. Shooting nearly 40% from the field and 39% from three-point range, Quickley proved he is an offensive weapon that is only hitting his stride at the NBA level.

However, during the Summer League, he only shot 33.7% and 24% from three. The sample size is extremely small over just five games, but he’s more than capable of averaging 15+ points per game, especially as Tom Thibodeau will look to get him involved.

Some might say Quickley scoring 15+ points isn’t a bold take, but the Knicks have a lot of mouths to feed this season, especially with the retention of Alec Burks and the signing of Kemba Walker. I wouldn’t forget about the drafting of Quentin Grimes either, who will earn minutes at shooting guard.

3.) Mitchell Robinson will win DPOY of the year

There’s nobody that believes in Mitchell Robinson more than himself and the front office, as he’s been vocal on social media propagating his hard work this off-season. Increasing his size and muscle mass, Robinson is optimistic he can win Defensive Player of the Year. As a lanky center who can guard the perimeter, Robinson is capable of being a star defensive player, but his primary struggle is remaining healthy. Robinson has never played over 66 games in a season, playing in just 31 last year with a broken foot and hand.

If he can remain consistent in the health category, Robinson can easily become one of the league’s most feared defenders. Improving his physicality in the paint will also give him more success against bigger, more imposing power forward and scoring centers. During his rookie year, Robinson blocked a career-high 2.4 shots per game. He will be looking to resurrect that version of himself — coincidentally, Mitch also played the most game of his career in that season. Momentum has proved to be a catalyst for his success.

How Knicks’ Derrick Rose could be the catalyst for Mitchell Robinson taking his game to the next level

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New York Knicks, Mitchell Robinson

The New York Knicks are clearly confident in young center Mitchell Robinson, given the fact that they didn’t utilize him as a trade piece this off-season. Preparing to earn just $1.8 million, Robinson is looking to elevate his game and win Defensive Player of the Year. Robinson stated on social media that he is bigger and stronger, and when healthy, he is one of the best defenders on the team, if not in the NBA.

As a long, lanky center who is capable of guarding the perimeter, Robinson’s defense was sorely missed during the postseason. Rolling with Nerlens Noel and Taj Gibson, the team missed a physical presence inside who could also run the floor with ease in transition. Noel is a serviceable shot blocker but offers little on offense and doesn’t have the frame to body out bigger scorers and box out centers like Clint Capela.

Luckily, Robinson suffered two fluke injuries, which don’t suggest any ligament damage. Having fractured his hand and foot, Robinson is looking to make a full recovery and leave his mark on the 2021-22 season.

Last year, he played in just 31 games, averaging 8.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and shot 65% from the field. However, with poor point guard play the past three seasons since Robinson entered the NBA, he’s been looking for a catalyst to help increase his efficiency around the rim.

During his rookie campaign, Robinson enjoyed the likes of Frank Ntilikina, Trey Burke, Ron Baker, and Emmanuel Mudiay. None of these players represented a high octane PG to help him increase his efficiency in the scoring department. Fast forward to the present day, and the Knicks have Derrick Rose and Kemba Walker as their point guards.

Rose proved last season, and he’s more than capable of leading an offense and elevating the players around him. He averaged 15 points, 4.2 assists, and shot nearly 49% from the field. However, with his veteran savviness and vision, Robinson should be a direct benefactor from his capabilities.

Ultimately, remaining healthy is Robinson‘s primary goal, but his offensive production shouldn’t be forgotten about. He came close to averaging double-digit points in 2019, landing at 9.7. During his 31 game sample size last year, he posted a career-high 27.5 minutes per game but still fell short of the double-digit scoring mark, thanks to Elfred Payton serving as the team’s primary point guard before Tom Thibodeau forced a trade for Rose at the deadline.

Executing the pick-and-roll with Mitchell will be far different than in the past when he lacked chemistry with his point guards, and they simply couldn’t execute at a high level. Both Rose and Walker are capable of elevating his game tremendously. Specifically, Rose looks to facilitate instead of force shots, which Walker can sometimes get stuck doing.

If Robinson has, in fact, increases his strength and size this off-season, he is a great breakout candidate alongside a fantastic point guard like Rose. That combination could end up being a godsend for a Knicks team that has had a disconnect at the C and PG positions over the past few seasons.

Report: Knicks already open to extending Mitchell Robinson despite injury-riddled 2020-21 season

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knicks, mitchell robinson

The New York Knicks had an opportunity this off-season to secure a long-term solution at center but instead retained Nerlens Noel and committed to Mitchell Robinson for one more season.

Some might say this is a risky move, considering Robinson played in just 31 games last year and Noel doesn’t offer much does an offensive weapon. However, the team is still optimistic Mitch will reach his potential. Ultimately, the consensus is that they would hate for him to find his groove with another team when he’s only set to earn $1.8 million this year.

In fact, the front office seems so invested in Robinson and confident in his abilities, they are already open to extending him before the next off-season rolls around.

According to Marc Berman of the NY Post, Knicks’ president Leon Rose said “as long as it’s not crazy,” the team would be interested in extending Mitchell Robinson before the 2021-22 season commences.

If Robinson has learned anything from players like Dennis Schroder, waiting and betting on yourself can backfire in a big way and potentially lose millions. However, he also is extremely confident the upcoming year will offer bountiful rewards based on his hard work.

Robinson has indicated he’s increased not only his strength but also his frame, including added muscle mass. Coming off a campaign where he suffered a fractured hand and foot, it would be a risk for both the Knicks and Mitchell to agree on a long-term extension.

When healthy, though, Robinson is a quality defender that has elite potential in the category. He’s capable of guarding the perimeter and also using his physicality to contain power forwards and centers in the paint. Most reference his rookie season when he recorded 2.4 blocks per contest, a career-high.

The three-year veteran has the ability to take a chance on himself, and if it pans out, the result could be lucrative. Alternatively, the Knicks would give him a middling contract for multiple years that could underwhelm his production. This is a decision plenty of players struggle with, but based on Robinson’s recent confidence on social media, I get the sense he’s willing to risk it on his growth this off-season.

Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson eyeing DPOY in 2021, says he’s ‘bigger and stronger’

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New York Knicks, Mitchell Robinson

The New York Knicks have control over big man Mitchell Robinson for one more season on a $1.8 million salary. Considering how little the former second-round pick is earning, they felt sticking with him for the remainder of his rookie contract was more efficient than trading for a player like Myles Turner, who is making nearly $18 million next season.

Last season, Robinson played in just 31 games, as reserve option Nerlens Noel ended up taking over the starting role for the majority of the campaign. During his sample size, Robinson averaged 27.5 minutes per game, posting 8.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks. Most of his statistics were down from his 2019-20 season when he just missed double-digit points per game and recorded 2.0 blocks per contest. He also connected on a career-high .742 effective field goal percentage.

However, the defensive center is eyeing a big developmental leap. He has Defensive Player of the Year aspirations, and with the ability to guard the perimeter but also drop into the paint and contain power forwards and centers, there’s no question he can take his game to the next level.

Several weeks ago, Robinson’s trainer Marcell Scott indicated how much the Knicks are invested in the big man:

“Some of the Knicks staff is here in New Orleans making sure he is straight physically. They are truly invested in Mitch,” Robinson’s trainer Marcell Scott told Empire Sports Media. “It’s gonna be a great year!”

Robinson has been active on social media lately, indicating his desire to win DPOY and his increased strength/size.

Robinson is a 7-foot, 240-pounds center, but after a season working on building his muscle mass and physicality, he could be inching toward 260-pounds.

With the Knicks heavily invested in Robinson rehabilitating from a fractured foot he suffered last season, he should be 100% healthy for the start of the 2021 -22 season. This is his final opportunity to wow the front office, as they will have to make a decision on his future and a potential long-term contract.

Do you think it is realistic for Robinson to win DPOY this upcoming season? Comment below!

Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson sets lofty defensive goals for 2021-22 season

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knicks, mitchell robinson

The New York Knicks have committed to the young center, Mitchell Robinson, who’s in the final year of his rookie contract. The former second-round pick will earn $1.8 million for the 2021-22 season, as a team picked up his club option, which is fully guaranteed.

Head coach Tom Thibodeau prioritizes defense, and while Robinson has never average double digit points, he has the potential to be one of the best defensive big men in the league. However, his inability to stay healthy has dampened his development thus far in his career.

Last season, Robinson played in just 31 games, suffering a fractured foot and hand that hurt his growth. During those games, he average 27.5 minutes, including 8.3 points, 1.1 steals, 1.5 blocks, and 8.1 rebounds.

Robinson experienced growth in several categories, including steals with sleight of hand and rebounds but saw his field-goal percentage drop and blocks drop by 25% compared to his 2019–20 season.

Up to this point, the Knicks simply haven’t been able to rely on him as their regular starter, which led the team to extend Nerlens Noel on a three-year contract after an impressive campaign where he averaged 6.4 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per contest.

Essentially, management realized they needed a back up plan in case Robinson stalled or picked up another injury. They also drafted Jericho Sims out of Texas, who showcased physicality and strength in the paint during the Summer League. With a mix of youth and veteran talent, the Knicks are hoping the center position no longer plagues them this upcoming season.

Robinson, though, has his eyes set on something optimistic by attainable given his skill set. The 7’0″, 240-pound center has a personal goal of Defensive Player of the Year. Of course, that would require him to remain healthy for the entire season and play maximum minutes, bolstering his stats and showing continuity and consistency.

If Robinson can achieve this goal, there’s no question he will earn a lucrative second contract, and the Knicks are hoping he can reach his potential. Ever since recording 2.4 blocks in his rookie season, the team recognized what he’s capable of achieving. They sorely missed his physicality and length in the paint during the postseason against the Atlanta Hawks. With his athleticism and ability to guard the perimeter, Robinson showcased his defense against Trae Young earlier in the season, locking him down and taking away floaters and three-point shots off the pick-and-roll.

Noel and Taj Gibson simply don’t offer the same skill said Robinson contains, but there’s optimism he will be 100% ready to go at the start of the campaign in October.

Do you think that Mitch can win DPOY, and what would it take? Comment below!

Knicks’ Nerlens Noel raves about ‘close-knit team,’ but how does Mitchell Robinson change his role?

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nerlens noel, knicks

The New York Knicks rolled into the 2020-21 season with a Nerlens Noel and Mitchell Robinson at center. However, Robinson suffered two fractures last season, including a hand and foot injury. Noel was forced into a far more significant role, averaging 24.2 minutes per game, playing in 64 contests, and starting in 41.

During his unexpectedly involved season, Noel averaged 5.1 points, 6.4 rebounds and posted a career-high 2.2 blocks per game. He was one of the leading patrons on defense, which led him to sign a fresh three-year, $27.7 million deal, including $18 million guaranteed. There is a kicker, though, as Noel doesn’t have any guaranteed money in the third season of the deal, so the Knicks can move on and save the salary space if need be.

Despite rumors that teams were intrigued by Noel and his skill set, his desire was always to stay in New York based on the performance of the squad last year.

“Everything we built last year,” he said on MSGPM with Kaz Famuyide and Monica McNutt. “It was a really close-knit team that I wanted to stay involved with. All the opportunities I got last year I tried to seize. Coming into this new year, I want to build on that. I want to help this team get to the next level of the playoffs.”

Bringing back Noel provides a big shot-blocker in the paint, but he lacks the offensive efficiency somewhere hoping to find in free agency. The Knicks will be gaining back Mitchell Robinson, who has been working hard this off-season to rehabilitate his foot.

Robinson has one year remaining on his contract at $1.8 million. The front office must make a decision this upcoming season regarding his future with a team. Given how affordable he currently is, the Knicks felt good retaining Noel on a slightly above-market contract for his qualities.

The expectation is that Robinson will be the starting center to open the 2021-22 season. Over 31 games, Robinson averaged 27.5 minutes, posting 8.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per contest. With a career-high of 2.4 blocks during his rookie season, Robinson has the potential to be one of the best shot blockers in the NBA.

The team wants him to be their long-term solution paired with Noel to mitigate fatigue over a full 82 game schedule, but he hasn’t played over 61 games in two years. By all standards, Robinson played below his potential last season in several categories, recording a below-average (in relation to his first two years in the NBA) defensive rebounding percentage at 12.2% and free throw rate. He did enjoy a 1.8 steal percentage, and a 12% blocked percentage — both career highs.

Nonetheless, Thibodeau loves his defensive-minded players, and having two traditional big men in the paint should open up the floor for the Knicks’ shooters, including Evan Fournier, RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, Immanuel Quickley, and a bevy of quality point guards.

Mission DPOY: Trainer Marcell Scott lays out plan for Mitchell Robinson’s bounce-back season

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myles turner, knicks, pacers

The New York Knicks remain heavily invested in their 23-year old center Mitchell Robinson despite the Myles Turner trade rumors.

After the Knicks exercised their $1.8 million team option that will make Robinson an unrestricted free agent next summer, Empire Sports Media has learned that the team is closely monitoring his physical conditioning to get him ready for the training camp.

“Some of the Knicks staff is here in New Orleans making sure he is straight physically. They are truly invested in Mitch,” Robinson’s trainer Marcell Scott told Empire Sports Media. “It’s gonna be a great year!”

Robinson’s ascent as one of the premier defensive big men in the league got sidetracked last season after a pair of serious injuries — fractured hand and foot — limited him to just 31 games. In that small sample size last season, the young center flashed promising signs of improvement under defensive guru Tom Thibodeau and big man’s whisperer Kenny Payne.

Robinson learned to stay disciplined on and off the court. His foul rate (2.8 per game) went down to its lowest in his three seasons in the league, leading to an increased playing time of 27.5 minutes per game.

The rebounding numbers shot up in the process to 8.1 from 7.0 per game last season. His blocked shots may have gone down (1.5 from 2.0 per game last season), but that is because he has learned to play more with his feet and not just by his hands.

Robinson finished fourth among centers in defensive win shares (0.114) behind Rudy Gobert (0.181), Joel Embiid (0.135), and Anthony Davis (0.125) last season, according to NBA.com.

Overall, his numbers — 8.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 1.5 blocks — don’t scream a star center, but he’s starting to fit in nicely to Thibodeau’s system as their anchor in the middle before the injuries. Offensively, he was limited to just catching lobs and cleaning up the boards, but that could change soon if he can show improvements on his shooting and with a better point guard coming in to orchestrate plays for the team.

On a contract year, Robinson is aching to show he’s worth a significant investment. According to ESPN’s front office insider Bobby Marks, Robinson is eligible for a contract extension worth up to $51 million.

“He must have a good season. No excuses! He’s well capable so no worries about this end,” Scott said.” The boy is good.”

But Scott made it clear that he is in no way part of the negotiating camp of Robinson for his next NBA contract.

“I just train. I don’t do anything else. That [next contract] is his agency’s decision. Now, will he be ready? Absolutely,” Scott said. “He will be fine. God is looking over him.”

Robinson is now on his sixth agent, Thad Foucher and Joe Smith of the Wasserman Group, after moving on from super-agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports last year.

But that’s the least of Scott’s concerns as he said that this summer’s priority is to have Robinson at full strength before they can set their sights on their goals, including the coveted Defensive Player of the Year award.

“No major training as of now, he’s just staying healthy and getting stronger. I just want him to be ready to do everything the coach asks of him,” Scott said. “DPOY (Defensive Player of the Year), make free throws are the goals for next season. Everything else just comes with being the high-energy guy on the floor.”

Last year, Robinson shot a career-worst 49.1 percent at the line on just 1.7 free throws per game. Scott already has a plan in place to have Robinson work on improving that.

If things go according to plan, Robinson is in line for a redemption season that will hopefully lead to a bigger payday down the line.

Follow this writer on Twitter: @alderalmo

Knicks ‘trying hard’ for Indiana shot-blocking big man, should they offer Mitchell Robinson in deal?

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knicks, myles turner

The New York Knicks are still undecided on Mitchell Robinson being their long-term center. After suffering a fractured hand and foot last season, Robinson performed in just 31 games, starting in 29. He averaged 8.3 points, 1.5 blocks, 8.1 rebounds, and shot 65% from the field. Unfortunately, this was not the campaign New York anticipated from Robinson, who was trying to reach the next level and average double-digit points per night.

Injuries have held Mitchell back, and on the final year of his rookie contract, where he will earn $1.8 million, the Knicks have a big decision coming up centered around his extension.

If the Knicks elect to extend him on a long-term deal, they will have to offer him a pay raise, but there is one other option they are heavily pursuing, according to J. Michael of the Indy Star.

President Leon Rose could be looking to incorporate Robinson in a potential trade offer for Indiana Pacers big man Miles Turner. Turner is on a four-year, $80 million deal with two years left on the contract. He will earn $17.8 million in each of the next two seasons, but at this point in his career, he’s not only a more refined talent compared to Robinson, but he’s also a better scorer.

Last season, Turner averaged 12.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and shot 47% from the field. He started 47 games for Indiana, posting a career-high 3.4 blocks. Robinson is known as one of the best shot blockers in the NBA, and his career-high was only 2.4 during his rookie campaign in 2018.

While Turner is earning a significant amount more than Robinson this upcoming year, he’s only 24-years-old and offers just as much if not more defensively, and he’s capable of shooting from downtown, averaging 33% over 4.4 attempts last season. He is a 78% free-throw shooter compared to Robinson at 57%.

For Tom Thibodeau, Turner would be a significant addition, but unless they envision Robinson as the future and don’t want to give up on his potential, they could continue to pester Indiana until they consider a trade offer. With free agency opening up on Monday evening, things will likely move quickly.

By trading for Turner, the Knicks would have to include Robinson in the deal, which could be worth it based on their statistical comparisons.

Would you include Robinson in a trade for Myles Turner? Comment below!

Knicks News: Damian Lillard’s No. 1 trade destination is NY, Nerlens Noel earning tons of FA attention

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damian lillard, new york knicks

The New York Knicks are gearing up to have an active August free agency period, but they may remain patient with their approach as star players like Damian Lillard prepare to decide on their future. Lillard hasn’t requested a trade from Portland, but if he does elect to force his way out, he has a new destination already in mind.

Stephen A. Smith confirmed that Damian Lillard’s “No. 1 destination” if he were to leave Portland is the Knicks, but the chances of him departing are slim.

If the Knicks have any chance at acquiring Lillard, they will have to give future first-round selections and young talent in a prospective deal. They would have to include RJ Barrett, who is set up to have a great year three after seeing significant increases in several categories last season.

At 20 years old, he averaged 17.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and shot 44% from the field. Playing in all 72 games, he averaged 34.9 minutes and shot 40% from three, a .08% increase from his rookie campaign.

Lillard is simply waiting to see how Portland addresses some of its bigger weaknesses, and having just signed a four-year, $176.2 million extension, a lot rides on their ability to improve the roster.

According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, Lillard is buying his time “while waiting to see how the Blazers’ roster looks later in the offseason before reassessing his situation.”

If the Knicks were able to pair Lillard with Julius Randle and utilize some of their new depth pieces, they could have a quality team moving forward. They would need some unproven talents to rise to the occasion, but Lillard is capable of carrying a team all on his own. Last season, the six-time All-Star averaged 28.8 points, 7.5 assists, and shot 45% from the field. His incredible 39% from three over 10.5 attempts per game represents a great clip and success rate.

Knicks’ president Leon Rose would likely do whatever it takes to acquire Lillard, but there are a few other free agents he has to make a decision on in the near future.

Big man Nerlens Noel will have potential suitors this off-season, as he’s been connected to the Detroit Pistons, Sacramento Kings, and Toronto Raptors. The Knicks are also interested in bringing him back on a new deal, having signed a one-year, $5 million contract last season. Noel proved to be a fantastic shot-blocker, averaging 2.2 per game, a career-high. While he doesn’t offer much on offense, he’s a solid reserve piece who can contribute defensively and mitigate fatigue for Mitchell Robinson.

The former first-round pick played valiantly in the absence of Robinson last year, starting 41 games and averaging 24.2 minutes. He is a quality player, but his price tag may increase this off-season to a point where the Knicks don’t feel comfortable spending upwards of $7 million on a backup center.