It is the summer of celebration for Mitchell Robinson, Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks. After bringing home the franchise's first NBA title in over five decades, the Knicks are the clear toast of the basketball realm.
But work never stops for New York, which now has a big target on its back as the reigning NBA champions.
Brunson is the face of the Knicks' success in the 2025-26 season, but even he may not stand a chance in a 1-on-1 game against Mitchell — according to Mitchell.
“As long as I get to play how I play in the summer, I like my chances,” Mitchell told his social media followers on Monday (h/t Knicks Fan TV).
“Now, if we're talking regular-season Mitch, then Jalen would win. But summertime Mitch? Yeah, nah. F*** no.”
Mitchell has been with the Knicks his entire NBA career, thus far. He experienced the lows with New York, and he is now deservedly relishing the ultimate high of being an NBA champion after the Knicks defeated Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs in five games in the 2026 NBA Finals.
As Karl-Anthony Towns' chief backup, Mitchell provided quality minutes for the Knicks in the 2026 playoffs, where he put up per 36 minutes averages of 12.5 points, 14.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks, while shooting 67.3 percent from the floor.
It will be interesting to see whether former Western Kentucky Hilltoppers star big man Robinson will continue his career with the Knicks, as the veteran center does not have a contract for the 2026-27 campaign.
