Shortly after the Knicks picked up a victory in Portland on Tuesday, center Mitchell Robinson appeared to gripe once again about his offensive role – or lack thereof – in a pair of Snapchat stories, per Peter Botte of The New York Post.
“Tired asf of just being out there for cardio fam,” Robinson reportedly wrote on Snapchat. “Like I want to play basketball to (sic) really just wasting my time and energy.”
This isn’t the first time that Robinson has taken to social media to complain about only being on the floor “for cardio” — he did the same on Instagram in December of 2021. Of course, at that point in the 2021/22 season, the Knicks were 12-16 and had just lost four straight games.
Robinson’s social media activity this time around came after he attempted just two shots in 21 minutes on Tuesday, but the Knicks won for the 11th time in 14 games and now have a 41-30 record. Given the team’s success this season, it’s a little concerning that the fifth-year center still may not have bought into his role.
With the Knicks enjoying a stretch of three days off between games, Robinson has yet to speak to reporters about his Snapchat posts.
Here’s more on the NBA’s two New York teams:
- A few days after Cam Reddish cited “politics” and “favoritism” as reasons why he didn’t play at all during his final two months with the Knicks, head coach Tom Thibodeau took the high road when discussing the forward and the trade that sent him to the Trail Blazers, writes Peter Botte of The New York Post. “He’s played very well. Happy for him,” Thibodeau said of Reddish. “I think it was one of those trades that was good for both teams, and that’s what you like. So, we got what we needed, and I think they got what they needed.”
- Jalen Brunson, who has missed five of the Knicks‘ last six games due to left foot pain, practiced in full on Friday and seemingly has a chance to return on Saturday, tweets Fred Katz of The Athletic. Brunson will be listed as questionable vs. Denver.
- Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn said at the end of February that there had been no discussion about shutting down Ben Simmons for the rest of the season due to his back and knee soreness. Vaughn reiterated that stance on Thursday when asked about the former No. 1 overall pick, according to Dan Martin of The New York Post. “There is zero discussion about him not playing (again this season),” Vaughn said, adding that Simmons hasn’t experienced any setbacks in his recovery process. “We expect him to be back, we’re waiting for him to be back.”
- In case you missed it, the Nets officially signed center Moses Brown to a 10-day contract earlier today. While Brown could stick around beyond the next 10 days if he impresses Brooklyn, it’s worth clarifying that he won’t be playoff-eligible, since he was waived from a two-way contract by New York after the March 1 deadline.
Hmm disappointing for Mitch. Does he watch basketball though? Not sure what winning team out there is funneling their offense through a center who can only score in the paint.
If Mitchell wants to be featured more in the offense, he should develop an offensive game. He’s great, maybe even elite, at finishing and scoring right around the basketball. But he’s got no offensive game outside of that. Can’t dribble, can’t pass, can’t shoot. Maybe he’s got some hidden talents but he hasn’t shown it yet.
True, but given how elite he is at finishing it’s less than ideal that the offense isn’t finding him for a few more buckets a game. That should be doable.
He might just be frustrated about that. If he’s frustrated about something more, then he’s delusional.
Mitch is right, really. But it’s his own fault. And he’s going about it the wrong way. I’d like to see him at 14-16 pts a gm. If he runs the floor and hits offensive boards. He can get 8 pts easy. Jalen and Thibs will look out for him. If he’s controlling the D and rebounding.
Imo Mitch has the talent to be a double double. But more important for us. Is To be top 5 in DPOY conversation. He hasn’t put together two gd yrs yet. And he’s crying. This is why I’m not down with this drama. Randle is another one. I’d move them both for right deals.
He’s not going to be a 14-16 point scorer, don’t be ridiculous Al. Also, DPOY?! He hunts blocks, and is out of position defensively far too often.
Like you Al, I’m a Knicks fan. That said, I prefer to be reasonable about NY. His absolute ceiling is 12 and 10.
First Mitch only plays 24 mins a gm for his career. Getting 14 n 10 with Jalen at point. Is not that difficult, if you play over 30 mins. A player like Mitch needs a real PG to get him a few buckets. So yes 14 n 10 should be a goal. Like I said …….
Mitch is a D force as his upside. He’s always flashed that. His career is, as an elite rim protector. Playing over 30 mins. He can push for that and will get his scoring. It’s that simple. But the offense will never run thru him like he would like. Mitch is still about potential. At some point you are what your gm says you are. And he’s getting there imo. It’s why I say move the drama.
I have always liked Ben. His size and talent. I know his confidence took a beating. But if he can’t see the opportunity he has here. Helping Nets win in 1st rd, get to playoffs. And do this with no KD or Ky. Then he’s lost more than his confidence. The basketball gods have given you the biggest stage there is. Step up Young Man …..
Mitch likes to engage, and is made for social media. While I’m not crazy about his use of it on this topic, I have no issue with any player wanting an expanded role. Generally, I think it’s healthy. As long as the guy performs well in the role he currently has (Mitch has done that this year) and takes the initiative to develop / demonstrate his worthiness (from the team’s standpoint) for the expanded role (I’ve seen nothing to suggest this).
Can someone please remind Mr. Robinson that he is not a Max player like Embid and the Joker? Even worse Jared Allen, so please , please, please shut your mouth take your 68 Mil and do what the coach assigns you. If you don’t believe go ask Nerlens Noel, I bet you he won’t complain.
Mitch is from Louisiana they’re a few years behind, they’re just now showing the Dwight Finals.
I had watched a couple Knicks games and always though man he could get 8/10 points without even needing anyone to create anything for him. He gets a couple offensive rebounds a game, and just being down low around the rim he should get hand offs and lobs.
Then he got injured and then there was some quote about him self claiming to be the best centre in NY. Which I disagree with.
If Mitch cant buy into his role while his team is winning then maybe he’s the problem. Especially going about it by posting on social media it’s just dumb.
Knicks 123 — Blazers 107 ……
Cam Reddish 19 mins, 2 pts, 1 reb
1-6 FG% 16.7, + or – (-27)
Yes Cam ……. again you showed the World. How you stand up to critique.