Mitchell Robinson

Robinson is an American center who has built his NBA career with the New York Knicks as a defensive anchor and lob threat. Drafted in the second round in 2018, he became the franchise's longest-tenured active player and a fan favorite before winning the 2026 NBA championship. His journey to the league included a unique detour: withdrawing from Western Kentucky to spend a year training independently.

Born Mitchell Robinson III on April 1, 1998, in Pensacola, Florida, he attended Pine Forest High School for his first two years before transferring to Chalmette High School in Louisiana. He did not play organized basketball until eighth grade, when a growth spurt took him from 6 feet 2 inches to 7 feet 0 inches. As a junior at Chalmette, he averaged 20.9 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 8.1 blocks and led the team to its first state playoff win in 19 years. As a senior, he averaged 25.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and six blocks and was named a McDonald's All-American.

Robinson originally committed to Texas A&M but decommitted to follow coach Rick Stansbury to Western Kentucky. However, he withdrew from Western Kentucky before the season and spent the 2017-18 year training on his own, becoming the first player to make such a decision. He declared for the 2018 NBA draft and was selected 36th overall by the Knicks.

Robinson made an immediate impact as a rookie, setting the NBA record for most blocks by a rookie in a single game and finishing with the highest field goal percentage in the league. He spent multiple seasons as the Knicks' starting center, anchoring the defense and finishing lobs from playmakers. Injuries periodically interrupted his availability, but he remained a fixture when healthy. He won the 2026 NBA championship with the Knicks.

Robinson is a classic rim protector and lob finisher. His elite length, timing, and athleticism allow him to block shots without excessive fouling, and his verticality makes him a constant threat on rolls to the rim. Offensively, he scores almost entirely on dunks, putbacks, and alley-oops. His limited shooting range is offset by his defensive impact and rebounding. When healthy, he is one of the most impactful defensive bigs in the league.