The New York Knicks‘ bold move for Karl-Anthony Towns addressed a key weakness in their frontcourt. However, Mitchell Robinson’s anticipated return close to the trade deadline could provide a major defensive boost to Tom Thibodeau’s squad. Robinson, an elite rim protector when healthy, offers a defensive versatility that Towns has struggled to match throughout his career. As the Knicks prepare for a deep playoff run, Mitchell Robinson’s return could give them the luxury of mixing defensive schemes and creating mismatches for opposing offenses.
NBA Business: Knicks Set For Mitchell Robinson Return Around Deadline
Mitchell Robinson’s Impact as a Rim Protector
Robinson anchors the Knicks’ defense with his shot-blocking and rim protection. Under Thibodeau, he’s thrived as a defensive cornerstone, helping the Knicks dominate the paint. His ability to alter shots and disrupt offenses makes him indispensable when healthy.
Though Robinson played only 31 games last season, his impact was clear. He averaged 1.1 blocks per game and forced opponents into lower percentage shots around the rim. His agility allows him to switch onto guards and still recover to defend the basket. While his offensive game is limited, his defensive contributions are critical for a Knicks team built on defense.
Towns’ Defensive Limitations
Towns offers significant offensive versatility, but his defense, especially as a rim protector, has long been considered a weakness. Last season, Towns posted his best defensive rating (108.7) with the Minnesota Timberwolves, thanks largely to playing alongside Rudy Gobert, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year. Gobert’s presence allowed Towns to focus on his offensive game while minimizing his defensive responsibilities, improving his overall performance.
Despite his improved numbers, Towns’ defensive limitations remain a concern. Over his nine NBA seasons, he has averaged about 3.4 fouls per game, highlighting his struggles in rim protection. This stands in contrast to a player like Mitchell Robinson, whose defensive impact is much more pronounced. Robinson’s elite shot-blocking and rim protection make him a crucial piece for the Knicks, particularly when compared to Towns’ defensive contributions.
Although Towns excels offensively, his inconsistency on defense makes Robinson’s return vital for reinforcing the Knicks’ defensive structure.
Utilizing Robinson and Towns Together
Thibodeau will likely experiment with using Robinson and Towns together in certain lineups, similar to how the Timberwolves deployed Towns alongside Gobert. In such lineups, Towns could shift to power forward while Robinson handles the defensive responsibilities at center. This could create a potent inside-outside combination, with Towns spacing the floor on offense and Robinson anchoring the defense.
However, given the Knicks’ depth at the forward positions, it’s more likely that Robinson will come off the bench as a defensive anchor. The Knicks have versatile forwards in Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, along with Towns, who can stretch the floor and handle offensive duties. Staggering Robinson with Towns would allow the Knicks to maintain defensive intensity while keeping Towns fresh for offensive contributions.
Robinson’s Contract and Cap Hit
Robinson is in the third year of a four-year, $60 million contract, with a cap hit of $14.3 million for the 2024-25 season. His contract makes him too valuable to purely serve as a bench piece, especially given his impact on the defensive end. While the Knicks could consider trading him, his recent injury history has reduced his trade value, and it’s more likely they will retain him for now.
Robinson’s role as a defensive anchor off the bench gives the Knicks flexibility, especially as they balance Towns’ offensive contributions with defensive stability. His contract may seem hefty for a player coming off the bench, but his value in critical moments—particularly in playoff matchups against elite centers like Joel Embiid—makes him an essential part of the Knicks’ long-term plans.
Mitchell Robinson’s Return is Key to Knicks Championship Push
The Knicks are positioned for a deep playoff run, and Robinson’s return around the trade deadline could provide the crucial X-factor they need. With Towns taking on a central role offensively, Robinson’s ability to protect the rim and provide defensive intensity will give Thibodeau more options as the team gears up for the postseason. While his injury history remains a concern, Robinson’s defensive impact and contract status ensure that he will play a vital role in the Knicks’ rotation, whether off the bench or in a staggered lineup with Towns.
As the Knicks aim for a championship, the luxury of having both Towns and Robinson in the frontcourt could prove to be the difference-maker in key matchups, especially when the stakes are highest.
