Mitchell Robinson, who left the Knicks for a three-year, $47.4 million contract with the rival Boston Celtics, is experiencing a difficult start to his tenure with his new team. Through six games, Robinson is averaging 6.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks, while posting a detrimental minus-42 plus/minus rating.
Speculation suggests that Robinson's conditioning may be a factor, with reports from The Boston Globe indicating he arrived at training camp in less-than-ideal physical shape. "None of us have met the expectations, myself included," Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla stated, addressing the team's overall performance and Robinson's integration. "I have to be better, and it goes down the line. I like where Mitch is at from a mentality standpoint. I like his approach and his work ethic into doing the things that we’re asking to do."
Mazzulla added, "It’s obviously a little bit different, but none of us have met our own expectations, and we just have to keep working toward it. As long as we keep that mindset, not be distracted by the result, we got a chance. He’s somebody that takes pride in that process of getting better, and I’ve enjoyed working with him."
The Knicks did not make an effort to re-sign Robinson after he was a key contributor to their first championship in 53 years. The Celtics then acquired him to add size to their frontcourt.
While it's a small sample size, early signs have been worrying. Robinson recorded a minus-16 rating in a recent loss to the Rockets, and the Globe noted struggles with his defensive mobility and offensive contributions. Reports also indicate that teammates are having difficulty connecting with him on alley-oop passes.
Robinson's scoring average is slightly up from his previous season, but his rebounding numbers have decreased from 8.8 to 4.5 per game, and his blocks have fallen from 1.2 to 0.7. According to screwball.com, the Celtics have a net rating of minus-18.8 when Robinson is on the court, compared to a plus-19.4 when he is off. This contrasts with his performance on the Knicks, where the team was better with him on the court in the past two seasons.
Mazzulla suggested that offensive adjustments might be contributing to the numbers. "I would say for his offensive rebounding impact, we have him a little bit further away from the rim, setting screens and playmaking for us on the perimeter as part of our offense," Mazzulla explained. "I think that has a little bit to do with it. But as far as the two-man game, it’s just something to work on."
Despite these early challenges, the Celtics have managed a 5-2 start to the season. Their upcoming schedule includes games against Milwaukee and Charlotte before facing former Celtic Jaylen Brown and the Philadelphia 76ers.