Knicks second-rounder Mitchell Robinson turned some heads during his summer league appearances after showcasing his raw athletic abilities. And this is what New York hoped would happen for Robinson, who was considered a high-risk pick when they took him 36th overall in June.
Why? Robinson was a bit of an unknown in this year's draft to say the least. Having not played at Western Kentucky as originally planned, Robinson worked out privately for the draft instead. When he was selected, all fans knew about the 20-year-old was he was 7-foot-1 with an athletic build, and would likely need some time to develop into an everyday player for the Knicks.
So, here are five other things you may not have known about the Knicks' new big man.
1) Robinson can dunk from the other 3-point line
With a 7-foot-4 wingspan and a 9-foot-2 standing reach, it's no wonder Robinson was a shot-blocking menace in the summer league this year. But his natural length and athletic ability can strech the court as well.
While working out, a video was snapped of Robinson during a drill in which he was allowed to take one dribble before finishing with a dunk. Using his physical skills, Robinson was able to get the ball up the floor and into the hoop in a flash.
Nothing to see here just Mitchell Robinson only needing one dribble to dunk from the OTHER THREE-POINT LINE?! 👀 #Knicks pic.twitter.com/lNM3qKtZIZ
- Stefan Marolachakis (@stefanmymind) June 23, 2018
This could be what a quick steal and transition from Robinson looks like at MSG this season.
2) There can be a jumper in his arsenal
Robinson's height and defensive abilities have rim-protecting center written all over him. On the offensive end, he can knock down some jumpers, too.
In high school, Robinson wasn't afraid to shoot if defenders gave him space. Check this out:
- TKW Clips (@TKWClips) July 2, 2018
Head coach David Fizdale has noted he won't be using his players in a conventional rotation, which means Robinson could work on the outside from time to time.
3) Kevin Knox and Robinson have crossed paths before
With their No. 9 pick, the Knicks took versatile small forward Kevin Knox coming out of Kentucky. Knox also made a big splash in the summer league with thunderous dunks and his ability to get to the rim.
The combination of Knox and Robinson on the Las Vegas courts weren't the first time these two have played together. In fact, they were teammates on Team East in the 2017 McDonald's All-American Game.
4) College recruitment was more complicated than you think
Western Kentucky was constantly brought up as the school Robinson was set to go to before deciding to withdraw altogether. However, it wasn't his first destination of choice.
Instead, Robinson originally committed to Texas A&M, but assistant coach Rick Stansbury signed on to be Western Kentucky's head coach before the season started. Robinson had a strong connection with Stansbury, which is why he decided to change schools.
It wasn't easy, though. Robinson signed a national letter of intent to A&M, and he wasn't allowed to leave unless it was nullified. Fortunately, Robinson got his wish and was set to reunite with Stansbury. His godfather was also an assistant at WKU.
All of that trouble was moot, as we all know the story about how his college days never came to fruition.
5) Robinson's grandmother motivates him on and off the court
Every player has that constant motivator in the back of their minds when the game starts, and Robinson says his grandmother is that factor.
Robinson's grandmother raised him, and as he makes his way into the NBA, he hopes he is successful enough to bring his her along with him during his pro journey.
"She lives in Pensacola, Florida, and she was the one that raised me," Robinson told USA Today. "I want to be able to move her away from there and have her come stay with me wherever I end up. That's what I think about every time I step on the court and it keeps me grinding."