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.