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Mitchell Robinson is off to troubling Celtics start after bolting Knicks for $47 million deal
Mitchell Robinson has made a difficult start with the Boston Celtics after leaving the New York Knicks for a three-year, $47.4 million deal. His early performances have raised concerns about how well he is adapting to Boston’s system, although the team has started the season 5-2.
Across six games, Robinson is averaging 6.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 0.7 blocks, with a minus-42 rating while on court. Reports say he has struggled defensively and teammates have had trouble connecting with him for alley-oops; coach Joe Mazzulla has praised his work ethic while acknowledging that the team has not met expectations. The sample is small, and Mazzulla said Boston is using Robinson further from the basket for screens and perimeter playmaking.
In short
- Robinson’s first six games in Boston have been difficult.
- He is averaging 4.4 rebounds, down from 8.8 last season.
- Coach Joe Mazzulla says the team must keep working.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Robinson’s early numbers and reported defensive and on-court chemistry problems give Boston reason to question whether the sizeable contract is paying off, particularly if his role is not fitting the team’s system. The Celtics need reliable contributions from a major signing, and a poor start could justify adjusting his role or expectations.
The case against
Six games are too few to judge a player or a three-year deal, especially when Boston is asking Robinson to work further from the basket in a different system. His work ethic has drawn praise, and the team’s 5-2 start suggests the early struggles have not prevented collective success; patience could allow his defence and connection with teammates to improve.