New York Knicks‘ rookie big-man, Mitchell Robinson, skirted the system with his eligibility in college and want to play in the NBA as a professional. His move to the big-leagues has put his abilities into question, being that he scarcely played against collegiate talent. Despite this lack of experience, Robinson has emerged as one of the most exciting young players in the Summer League, and expectations are high leading up to the 2018-19 season.
Mitchell Robinson’s trainer’s expectations for the New York Knicks rookie:
According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, Robinson’s trainer, Marcell Scott, believes that Robinson will secure a starting role sooner rather than later.
“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.’’
The second-round pick was expected to be a lottery pick given his stayed in school and played his freshman season. He chose to forgo that experience and jump right into the dog-house. Now, he will feature on a Knicks team that has rookie Kevin Knox and star forward, Kristaps Porzingis.
Head coach David Fizdale is helping put together a solid foundation in New York, signing Mario Hezonja and retaining Enes Kanter. There’s no lack of talent on the roster, but maybe a lack of chemistry. It’s accepted that the Knicks will be moving through a “rebuilding” year in the coming months, despite the drafting off two promising players. The future of the Knicks is 2-3 years down the line, and if Porzingis can ride out the wait, he could very well enjoy bringing success back to a team that has struggled for years.