Knicks still weighing Mitchell Robinson’s future as training camp approaches
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The New York Knicks have addressed most offseason priorities, but the status of center Mitchell Robinson remains unresolved with training camp on the horizon.
Robinson, a key contributor to the club’s last two playoff appearances, has managed just 48 regular-season games over the past two years because of injuries. League sources told The Athletic that the Knicks are open to a team-friendly extension; however, negotiations could stall if the 26-year-old chooses to enter free agency next summer. Should Robinson stay healthy through the first half of the season, New York may explore a trade rather than risk losing him for nothing, according to the report.
Busy summer elsewhere on the roster
The front office finalized several moves earlier in the offseason. Mikal Bridges secured a contract extension, Mike Brown was hired as head coach, and free agents Guerschon Yabusele and Jordan Clarkson signed deals with the club.
Brown’s system could speed up Brunson
Brown is expected to implement a more structured, up-tempo offense. Last season, point guard Jalen Brunson averaged an NBA-high 6.06 seconds per touch, far above Tyrese Haliburton’s 3.65. The Knicks want Brunson making quicker reads, particularly when locating Karl-Anthony Towns on the perimeter, in hopes of creating a less predictable attack.
Defensive tweaks on the perimeter
Miles McBride could assume more point-of-attack assignments, The New York Post reported. That shift would allow Bridges to handle secondary scorers and protect Brunson from difficult matchups.
Outside skepticism
Not everyone is convinced the franchise made the right coaching change. LA Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said on the Club Shay Shay podcast that dismissing Tom Thibodeau after New York’s first conference-finals run in 25 years “doesn’t make sense.” Lue added that Brown inherits heightened expectations.
Source: Hoops Wire
