Knicks Big Man Becomes the X-Factor for Playoff Success
The New York Knicks have entered the season with a clear championship-or-bust mindset. With expectations as high as they have been in decades, anything short of an NBA Finals appearance would feel like a disappointment for a roster built to contend immediately. Names like Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and the team’s collection of elite defensive wings dominate most conversations surrounding New York. However, one of the most important pieces to the Big Apple’s championship aspirations may be their longest-tenured player. Mitchell Robinson, now in his eighth season with the franchise, could be the hidden gem that ultimately determines how far this team goes in the NBA Playoffs. Known for his rebounding dominance and interior defense that alter opponents’ game plans, Robinson played a crucial role in New York’s NBA In-Season Tournament Championship run. The lingering question facing New York’s fan base is simple: Can Robinson stay healthy when it matters most?
Robinson’s path to the NBA was anything but conventional. A five-star prospect out of high school, he originally committed to Western Kentucky University before deciding not to play a single collegiate game. Instead, Robinson prepared independently for the 2018 NBA Draft, a decision that caused hesitation among several NBA franchises. The New York Knicks, however, took a chance, selecting him 36th overall. Robinson quickly carved out a role as a defensive anchor, averaging eight points, seven rebounds, and two blocks per game while shooting an elite 72% from the field early in his career. By his third season, injuries began to derail his momentum, limiting him to just 32 games. After returning to form during his fourth and fifth seasons, Robinson became a key contributor in the Knicks’ 2023 NBA Playoffs victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Since then, injuries, most notably a lingering left ankle issue, have limited him to just 75 games over the past two and a half seasons.
When on the floor, Robinson remains one of the most impactful rebounders in the NBA, particularly on the offensive glass. His performance in the NBA Cup Championship against the San Antonio Spurs exemplified his value, as he collected 15 rebounds, including 10 offensive boards. That stat line reflects a familiar trend in Robinson’s game. While scoring has never been his primary focus, he has recorded single-digit point totals in several outings, his rebounding consistently reaching double figures. In an era where most centers are expected to stretch the floor, Robinson thrives by controlling the paint, protecting the rim, and finishing efficiently around the basket. With the Knicks often deploying smaller lineups outside of Robinson, his presence becomes even more significant as postseason matchups intensify.
New York’s stiffest competition in the Eastern Conference figures to come from the Detroit Pistons and the Boston Celtics. Detroit features Jalen Duren at center, but their second unit lacks a physical presence capable of matching Robinson’s old-school style. Boston has begun incorporating seven-footer Neemias Queta into its rotation, yet even the Celtics lack a reserve big man who brings Robinson’s combination of size, toughness, and rebounding. When rotations tighten during the Eastern Conference Playoffs, New York holds a distinct advantage at the center position off the bench. If Robinson can remain healthy, he may ultimately be the deciding factor in whether the Knicks capture their first NBA Championship in over 50 years.
