Knicks, Robinson Have No Extension Talks; Atlantic Division Roundup
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NEW YORK — The New York Knicks and veteran center Mitchell Robinson have not moved beyond preliminary conversations regarding a contract extension that would begin in 2025/26, Ian Begley of SNY reported. Begley expressed doubt that an agreement will be reached during the current season, noting that a healthy Robinson is expected to attract significant interest if he reaches free agency next summer.
“The most likely path is Mitchell Robinson hitting free agency and then seeing what the market is like,” Begley said on SNY’s The Putback. He added that several cap-space teams could pursue the 27-year-old center.
Celtics’ Pritchard Embraces ‘Relentless’ Mind-Set
Celtics guard Payton Pritchard detailed his constant quest for improvement in an interview with Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. “I look at the word relentless as a means to define who I am,” Pritchard said. “Every day is a new opportunity to get better, and I live by that mindset.” The fourth-year guard credited that approach for his success in Boston’s rotation.
Barnes Fuels Raptors With Two-Way Impact
Raptors forward Scottie Barnes has opened the season as a defensive force, Eric Koreen of The Athletic wrote. Barnes is the NBA’s only player averaging at least 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks per game, posting 1.6 in each category. Head coach Darko Rajaković said the third-year star’s growing familiarity with opponents is enhancing his ability to disrupt plays.
Poeltl Sits Out in Philadelphia
Toronto will be without starting center Jakob Poeltl for Saturday’s matchup in Philadelphia because of lower-back injury management, according to Sportsnet’s Michael Grange. The contest is the back end of a back-to-back after the Raptors’ road win in Atlanta on Friday, their fourth straight victory that moved the team to 5-4.
Source: Hoops Rumors
