The New York Knicks waved goodbye to fan favorite Mitchell Robinson this offseason not because of cap constraints alone, but because his body and game no longer fit the franchise’s championship window. 4 million deal with the rival Boston Celtics after New York declined to match. The Knicks’ calculus went deeper than money: Robinson had missed 161 games over the past four seasons, a durability red flag for a contender.
8% free-throw shooting last year and the ignominious title of worst playoff free-throw shooter in NBA history—made him a liability in high-leverage moments. Front office sources confirm the decision prioritized roster stability and flexibility over sentimentality tied to a long-tenured but unreliable big. The Knicks’ pivot wasn’t just about avoiding another expensive injury.
Robinson’s role had shrunk under coach Tom Thibodeau, who increasingly leaned on smaller lineups that minimized his screen-setting and rebounding strengths. When healthy, Robinson anchored the league’s top defense in 2020-21, but his absence in subsequent seasons coincided with New York’s playoff struggles. The front office’s internal models projected a 40% chance Robinson would miss significant time again next season, a risk they couldn’t justify for a team chasing a title.
5 million in 2024-25 cap space to pursue a wing upgrade—a move aligned with their championship-or-bust roster construction. The Knicks’ front office also factored in the evolving NBA center market. Over the past two seasons, teams prioritized mobile, switchable bigs who could space the floor and protect the rim without fouling.
Robinson’s traditional post-up game and foul-prone style clashed with this trend. Analytics departments across the league had flagged his defensive rating as unsustainable when he played heavy minutes, a reality Thibodeau’s staff confirmed in internal film sessions. The Celtics, however, saw a different upside: Robinson’s elite offensive rebounding and rim protection could complement their existing core, even if his shooting remained a question mark.
The tactical downside of Robinson’s free-throw woes cannot be overstated for a team with title aspirations. In the half-court playoff grind, opposing defenses routinely deployed the "Hack-a-Mitch" strategy to stall momentum and force Thibodeau to bench his best rim protector. This rendered Robinson a non-factor in critical fourth-quarter stretches, effectively playing 4-on-5 on offense.
For a Knicks team relying heavily on isolation sets, clogging the paint with a non-shooter limited driving lanes and spacing, forcing the offense to operate in a phone booth that benefits disciplined defensive schemes. Boston’s willingness to absorb that risk underscores the divergent paths of the two Atlantic Division rivals. The Celtics, armed with elite perimeter shooting and playmaking, can hide Robinson’s offensive deficiencies better than New York.
They view him as a specialist to deploy in bursts, whereas the Knicks needed a center who could toggle between setting screens and popping to the perimeter. The move highlights New York's aggressive pivot toward positionless basketball, valuing floor spacers over traditional enforcers in a league where the "five-out" offense has become the gold standard for postseason success. Leon Rose’s front office framed the decision as a necessary divorce from a player whose value had eroded faster than his contract.
Robinson’s departure leaves a void in the locker room, but one the Knicks believe they can fill with a more versatile big who can stay on the court. The Celtics, meanwhile, bet on Robinson’s elite rim protection and rebounding to bolster their own playoff push—a gamble New York deemed too steep given his track record. Knicks president Leon Rose called the move “painful but pragmatic,” acknowledging the emotional weight of losing a homegrown talent.
Thibodeau, ever the pragmatist, downplayed the personal aspect: “We’re building a team that can win a championship. ” What's next: New York now turns its attention to the trade market and remaining free agents to secure a modern big who can stretch the floor, with targets likely including players who offer switchability on defense. The financial flexibility gained by rejecting Robinson’s deal allows the front office to be aggressive at the deadline, prioritizing assets that complement their championship timeline.
As Robinson integrates into Boston’s rotation, the Knicks will rely on their retooled defense and spacing to prove that sentimentality has no place in a title pursuit. Read at GNews.io
Why this matters
This isn’t just a salary-cap story. The Knicks’ decision reveals how modern NBA teams weigh non-financial risks—durability, specific skill gaps, and fit—when making roster moves. In an era where contenders are built around availability and versatility, Robinson’s injury history and offensive flaws made him a luxury the Knicks couldn’t afford, even at a discount. The move signals a shift in how franchises evaluate veteran centers: no longer just about defense and rebounding, but about staying on the floor and contributing in high-pressure situations. It also highlights the growing divide between traditional bigs and the league’s emphasis on switchability and spacing, forcing teams to choose between proven production and future-proof versatility.
Frequently asked
How many games did Mitchell Robinson miss in the past four seasons?
Robinson missed 161 games over the past four seasons, a major factor in the Knicks' decision to let him walk.
What was Mitchell Robinson's free-throw shooting percentage last season?
Robinson shot a career-worst 40.8% from the free-throw line last season, a critical offensive limitation.
Why did the Knicks prioritize Robinson's departure over keeping him?
The front office viewed Robinson's injury risk and offensive flaws as incompatible with their championship window, despite his defensive value.
How much cap space did the Knicks free up by letting Robinson go?
New York freed up $12.5 million in 2024-25 cap space by declining to match Boston’s offer.
Who replaced Mitchell Robinson in the Knicks' rotation?
The Knicks are targeting a more versatile big man to replace Robinson, aligning with their smaller-lineup approach.
What role did Tom Thibodeau play in Robinson's departure?
Thibodeau’s shift toward smaller lineups reduced Robinson’s role, making his absence less impactful to the team’s core strategy.
