Mitchell Robinson

Mitchell Robinson III is a 7-foot center for the New York Knicks, recognized for his defensive prowess, rim protection, and rebounding in the NBA. Selected by New York with the 36th overall pick in the NBA Draft, Robinson is the franchise's longest-tenured active player. His path to professional basketball was unconventional; he initially committed to Western Kentucky University but left after two weeks to prepare for the NBA Draft, becoming the first recruited draft pick to forgo playing for a college, professional, or postgraduate-high-school team for a full year before entering the league. Prior to that, he scored 14 points in the McDonald's All-American Game.

Robinson made an immediate impact in New York, finishing his rookie season second in the NBA in blocked shots per game and earning a spot on the All-Rookie Second Team. He set an NBA single-season record with a .742 field goal percentage, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain's previous mark. Robinson became just the third rookie in the past 25 years to post a double-double with at least five blocks in consecutive games, joining Yao Ming and Tim Duncan. He also became the first Knicks rookie since Willis Reed to record 19 points and 21 rebounds in a game.

Throughout his career, Robinson has shown resilience in overcoming injuries, including ankle surgeries and other setbacks, consistently returning to anchor New York's frontcourt. He ranks second on the franchise's all-time career list in blocks. Robinson re-signed with the Knicks on a four-year, $60 million contract, reflecting the organization's commitment to his long-term value. He has established himself as one of the top backup big men in the league, making a significant impact off the bench with offensive rebounding, vertical spacing as a lob threat in the pick-and-roll, and interior defense.

Robinson's defining moments have often come during high-stakes games. In the championship game of the Emirates NBA Cup against the Spurs, he collected 15 rebounds, including 10 offensive boards, in just 18 minutes. He played a key role in the Knicks' run to the NBA Finals, competing through a broken right pinky finger that required surgery. In the decisive Game 5, Robinson altered the game's momentum with his rebounding, securing 10 boards in 20 minutes off the bench. With the Knicks holding a narrow lead and 25 seconds remaining, he out-muscled the San Antonio frontcourt to grab a crucial offensive rebound, helping secure the championship. The Knicks defeated the Spurs 4-1, earning their first title in more than five decades.