[Saba Sports News] Per ESPN insider Shams Charania’s report, Mitchell Robinson has signed a three-year, $47.4 million contract with the Boston Celtics, which includes a player option for the third season.
Last season, Mitchell Robinson served as the backup center and helped the New York Knicks claim the NBA championship. He played through injury in the Finals and delivered outstanding defensive containment against Victor Wembanyama. Robinson became an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and his market value surged. However, the Knicks were already burdened by a massive player payroll. Team owner James Dolan refused to cross the second apron threshold and could not match Robinson’s salary demands, forcing the franchise to let him walk away.
Across his eight-year tenure with New York, Mitchell Robinson appeared in 397 regular-season games, averaging 7.5 points, 8 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.7 blocks per contest. He also logged 53 playoff appearances, putting up 4.9 points, 7 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per game. With Robinson on board, the Celtics have significantly strengthened their center position.
In my view, Mitchell Robinson boasts elite rim protection and rebounding instincts league-wide. His arrival directly fixes the Celtics’ lack of interior defensive intimidation at the five spot following Al Horford’s departure. Paired with Neemias Queta, the two form a reliable two-man frontcourt tandem capable of handling full 48-minute interior defensive duties for the team.