Mitchell Robinson stands tall as one of the NBA’s premier defensive centers, giving the New York Knicks a formidable presence in the paint. His rebounding skills and shot blocking ability transform the team’s defense whenever he steps on the court. However, despite his impressive performance on the defensive end, Robinson’s ongoing struggles at the free throw line have been a persistent weakness that limits his playing time and impact.
Robinson’s free throw percentage has been a cause for concern since he entered the league in 2018. In his rookie season, he shot a dismal 60.5% from the charity stripe, and last season, he improved only slightly to 61.6%. This season, his free throw percentage has dropped even further to a career-low 56.8%. These numbers are far below the league average and have raised questions about Robinson’s ability to be a consistent contributor on the court.
The 7-foot-1 center’s struggles at the free throw line have not gone unnoticed by fans and critics alike. Recently, a video of Robinson’s awkward free throw attempt went viral on social media, with many poking fun at his unorthodox shooting form. Some have even suggested that his struggles at the line could be a mental issue rather than a technical one.
However, despite the criticism, Robinson has remained unfazed and continues to work on his free throws. In a recent interview, he acknowledged his struggles and stated that he is determined to improve his free throw shooting. He also mentioned that he has been working with the Knicks’ coaching staff to make necessary adjustments to his form.
Despite his struggles at the free throw line, Robinson’s impact on the Knicks’ defense cannot be overlooked. His presence in the paint forces opposing teams to alter their game plan, and his shot-blocking ability has earned him the nickname “Blockness Monster.” In fact, he currently ranks second in the league in blocks per game, averaging an impressive 2.0 blocks per game.
Robinson’s rebounding skills are also a crucial part of the Knicks’ defense. He is currently averaging 8.4 rebounds per game, with 3.8 of those being offensive rebounds. His ability to grab offensive rebounds and give the team second-chance opportunities has been a valuable asset for the Knicks.
Moreover, Robinson’s impact on the Knicks’ defense goes beyond the statistics. His high energy and hustle on the court inspire his teammates and create a domino effect on the team’s overall defensive performance. He is often seen diving for loose balls and contesting every shot, making him a fan favorite and a key player for the Knicks.
It is clear that Robinson’s struggles at the free throw line do not define his overall impact on the team. While his shooting form may not be the most conventional, it is his determination and work ethic that will ultimately lead to improvement. As he continues to work on his free throws, there is no doubt that Robinson will become an even more formidable force on both ends of the court.
In conclusion, Mitchell Robinson may be going viral for his ugly free throw attempts, but his impact on the New York Knicks’ defense cannot be overlooked. His rebounding skills and shot-blocking ability make him one of the premier defensive centers in the league, and his high energy and hustle on the court make him a valuable asset for the team. While his struggles at the free throw line may be a cause for concern, his determination to improve and his positive impact on the team make him a player to watch out for in the future.
