Center Mitchell Robinson has set several Knicks rookie records this season, and has caught the eye of Naismith Memorial Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon.
"I love his game," Olajuwon said, according to the New York Post's Marc Berman. "He has a presence in the middle. He can close down the middle with his energy, skill level, how he moves. Not too many players have that impact as a shotblocker."
Olajuwon, a 7-foot, 255-pound center, was one of the most dominant frontcourt players in the '80s and '90s, leading the NBA in scoring three times and averaging a double-double in 12 of his first 13 seasons. He was a 12-time All-Star who led the league in rebounds twice and blocks three times.
And though Robinson, 21, is only a rookie, he has impressed so far.
He averages 2.46 blocks per game, trailing only the Pacers' Myles Turner (2.68). In fact, Robinson has recorded multiple blocks in 27 consecutive games. And in 20 games since Feb. 24, Robinson has averaged 9.9 points and 9.7 points, including a 19-point, 21-rebound effort on March 28 against the Raptors.
"On the court," Olajuwon said, "you know he is there. Fantastic player."
High praise from one of the greats.