Basketball season is almost back for the Boston Celtics. NBA training camp kicks off on September 29, giving fans their first insight into the Celtics this season. One of Boston's big offseason moves was signing former New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson, who may be Boston's X-factor this season.
During the Knicks' title run this past season, Robinson was a valuable contributor off the bench. In the finals, his defense was crucial on San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama. Now on Boston this season, Robinson could be a major factor in how Boston performs this season.
Why Mitchell Robinson is Boston's X-Factor this season
The Celtics adding Mitchell Robinson to the center rotation gives them their best defensive center and rebounder. Last season, Boston played Neemias Queta and Luka Garza primarily at center, and while they each had good seasons, the success didn't carry over as well to the playoffs. In the playoffs, the center spot was a main weakness of the Celtics.
One area that adding Robinson will pay off for Boston is on the offensive glass. We've seen how much Boston head coach Joe Mazzulla has pushed for his team to fight for offensive rebounds, and Mitchell Robinson is one of the best at securing them. Robinson finished tied for fourth in offensive rebounds per game last season with 4.2. Against the Spurs in the NBA Finals, Robinson secured a clutch offensive rebound off a missed free throw that helped secure the Knicks the NBA championship.
Outside of rebounds, Robinson is a great pick-and-roll threat for Boston, being a strong lob threat. Boston has done a great job of throwing lobs to centers, and Robinson will be a solid addition to the offense. For Celtics fans, his role offensively will look similar to how Boston used Robert Williams III and Luke Kornet.
Mitchell Robinson does have some concerns the Celtics need to monitor
As excited as fans should be for Robinson, given the value he can bring to Boston, he does have two concerns. The first being that he has health concerns that have hurt his NBA career. Through his eight seasons, the Florida native has only cracked the 60-game mark four times, with three of those times coming in his first four seasons.
A promising sign of this was that the other season that saw Robinson break 60 games was last year (he also played in every playoff game for the Knicks as well). If Boston can replicate the Knicks' success at keeping him healthy, then Boston will have a successful season.
Outside of his health, the other concern is Robinson's free-throw shooting. He shot only 41% from the line during the regular season last year, dropping to 29% during the Knicks' playoff run. Boston could work on developing Robinson at the free-throw line, as they've helped players improve before.
When the Celtics' season ended, it was a real disappointment to fans and the Celtics. In the off-season, Celtics GM Brad Stevens made multiple changes to the roster, adding Mike Conley and Paul George (who may actually be healthy this season) alongside Robinson.
While Conley and George could have an impact on the Celtics season, Robinson is the one who can impact the game the most and can be a huge reason for Boston having a successful season.
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