Though they’re third within the Japanese Convention, make no mistake, the New York Knicks are very a lot a contender. The Knicks flying below the radar might finally work to their profit, with New York having already constructed a championship-caliber staff.
That is significantly true after the Knicks bolstered their roster through the commerce deadline, although they failed to amass Milwaukee Bucks celebrity Giannis Antetokounmpo. One participant who’s fueling their success has been backup middle Mitchell Robinson.
Regardless of not being a fantastic offensive participant, Robinson brings one thing to the desk that’s virtually equally as helpful as scoring. He isn’t solely a implausible offensive rebounder however a historic one too.
Mitchell Robinson’s elite ability is a game-changer for the Knicks
In truth, he’s on tempo to set an NBA document for offensive rebounding charge, with him snatching up 8 offensive rebounds per 36 minutes. For superior stats nerds, that is a staggering 24.5% offensive rebounding charge, which is exceptional.
Having a participant that dominant on the glass is a aggressive benefit. Groups are already cautious about maintaining him off of the glass, however he by some means continues to dominate second-chance alternatives and provides the Knicks an edge.
Take as an example the NBA Cup Finals. The Knicks seemed as if they had been going to lose to the San Antonio Spurs.
However with Karl-Anthony Cities on the bench, Robinson got here alive. He grabbed a stunning 10 offensive boards in 18 minutes, gifting New York valuable second-chance alternatives in opposition to an elite protection.
Robinson’s offensive rebounding might give the Knicks a playoff edge
That efficiency might probably bode effectively for the Knicks on this 12 months’s playoffs. Positive, Robinson might solely be the fifth or sixth most proficient participant on the Knicks, however that elite ability has particular significance.
This level is particularly true in high-pressure playoff video games the place the affect of offensive rebounds might be important. Within the postseason, possessions develop into more and more helpful because the video games are likely to decelerate.
Due to this fact, profitable the possession battle would give the Knicks an edge. Robinson alone may help them win that battle. Higher but, he can even assist them defensively. Opposing groups must ship at the very least two gamers to field out as an alternative of getting out in transition.
That helps to gradual the sport down and permits for the Knicks to defend with a set protection. There, Robinson’s rim safety and New York’s wing defenders can get them stops, which could possibly be a recipe for fulfillment for the Knicks within the NBA playoffs.
