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Mitchell Robinson is a name you should know. The 7-foot-1 second-rounder had an impressive showing for the New York Knicks in this year's Summer League tournament, racking up a double-double average (13 points and 10.2 rebounds).
As a result of these breakout performances, Robinson could be on track to make the Knicks' starting lineup before All-Star weekend. That's at least how his trainer, Marcell Scott, feels, per Marc Berman of the New York Post.
“I knew once they saw Mitchell on the court and saw all the stuff he brings to the table, the G-League would be eliminated from the conversation,” Scott told The Post in a phone interview. “I honestly think at the halfway mark, at the All-Star break, Mitch will be starting.”
Robinson, now 20 years of age, is a promising young big. He has a solid presence on the low block, which usually leads to great rebounding position. Tip-ins and put-backs usually follow suit.
Robinson's calling card, however, is blocking shots. In fact, the Pensacola, Florida native averaged four blocked shots per game in Summer League play, setting a new record. Some experts and analysts have hailed him as “the best shot-blocker” in this draft class.
1️⃣4️⃣ pts, 1️⃣2️⃣ rebs, and 5️⃣ blks to close out Summer League. @23savage____ left it all on the line. #NBASummer pic.twitter.com/GmKqT8N0kq
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) July 14, 2018
Whether or not Mitchell will be a starter this season is still up for debate, but Scott has already noticed a shift in confidence.
“I've noticed a difference since summer league – he's more confident now,” Scott said of Robinson. “More eye contact when he talks, articulating a lot better. He's really understanding what it means to be a pro now.”
For now, hoops fans will just have to wait for a final verdict in this case. Until then, have a go at some of Robinson's highlights from this year's Summer League campaign.
