It’s a widely accepted fact around the NBA that Mitchell Robinson is one of the best rebounders in the league when healthy.
Obviously, the “when healthy” part has been the deciding factor much of the last few seasons for Big Meech. But what he’s been doing so far through seven games this season on the offensive glass has been downright historical.
Yes, Robinson has been limited to only 15-20 minutes per game. But there is a genuine argument to be made that this is a net positive. It’s less taxing on his body,
meaning he’s able to take the floor more often than not. And all of the running and jumping and energy that he exerts across a 48-minute game is now consolidated into double the effort in a fraction of the time.
What has it added up to? Well, Mitch’s impact has been downright laughable up to this point. He’s averaging 5.7 OREB in 16.6 minutes per game.
Not only has he been perhaps the best offensive rebounder in the league through this short sample size, but there’s an argument to be made that he’s one of the best of the generation. The man is a bonafide specialist in today’s game. I promise.
Don’t believe me? Numbers don’t lie. We haven’t seen stuff like this for a loooong time.
Let’s ask coach Mike Brown if he’s a fan!
It’s no fluke, either – Robinson was second in the league in offensive boards in the 2022-23 season. Oh yeah – he only played 59 games. By the way, he’s also first in NBA playoff history in offensive rebounds per 36. Try that on for size.
These aren’t just sexy numbers. They’re winning numbers. The Knicks are +16.5 points per 100 possessions with Robinson on the floor. That’s the highest on the team.
As always, the Mitchell Robinson conversation comes down to availability. But when he’s on the floor, he can impact the game like few others can in the league.
The Knicks are taking the right measures to make sure he’s available night in, night out. As long as it stays that way, that’s bad news for the other team.
