Knicks Set to Get Defensive Reinforcement Around Deadline

The New York Knicks bold move for Karl-Anthony Towns addressed a key weakness in their frontcourt.

However, Mitchell Robinsons anticipated return close to the trade deadline could provide a major defensive boost to Tom Thibodeaus squad.

Robinson, an elite rim protector when healthy, offers a defensive versatility that Towns has struggled to match throughout his career.

As the Knicks prepare for a deep playoff run, Mitchell Robinsons return could give them the luxury of mixing defensive schemes and creating mismatches for opposing offenses.

NBA Business: Knicks Set For Mitchell Robinson Return Around Deadline Mitchell Robinsons Impact as a Rim Protector Robinson anchors the Knicks defense with his shot-blocking and rim protection.

Under Thibodeau, hes thrived as a defensive cornerstone, helping the Knicks dominate the paint.

His ability to alter shots and disrupt offenses makes him indispensable when healthy.

Though Robinson played only 31 games last season, his impact was clear.

He averaged 1.1 blocks per game and forced opponents into lower percentage shots around the rim.

His agility allows him to switch onto guards and still recover to defend the basket.

While his offensive game is limited, his defensive contributions are critical for a Knicks team built on defense.

Towns Defensive Limitations Towns offers significant offensive versatility, but his defense, especially as a rim protector, has long been considered a weakness.

Last season, Towns posted his best defensive rating (108.7) with the Minnesota Timberwolves, thanks largely to playing alongside Rudy Gobert, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year .

Goberts presence allowed Towns to focus on his offensive game while minimizing his defensive responsibilities, improving his overall performance.

Despite his improved numbers, Towns defensive limitations remain a concern.

Over his nine NBA seasons, he has averaged about 3.4 fouls per game, highlighting his struggles in rim protection.

This stands in contrast to a player like Mitchell Robinson, whose defensive impact is much more pronounced.

Robinsons elite shot-blocking and rim protection make him a crucial piece for the Knicks , particularly when compared to Towns defensive contributions.

Although Towns excels offensively, his inconsistency on defense makes Robinsons return vital for reinforcing the Knicks defensive structure.

Utilizing Robinson and Towns Together Thibodeau will likely experiment with using Robinson and Towns together in certain lineups, similar to how the Timberwolves deployed Towns alongside Gobert.

In such lineups, Towns could shift to power forward while Robinson handles the defensive responsibilities at center.

This could create a potent inside-outside combination, with Towns spacing the floor on offense and Robinson anchoring the defense.

However, given the Knicks depth at the forward positions, its more likely that Robinson will come off the bench as a defensive anchor.

The Knicks have versatile forwards in Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby , along with Towns, who can stretch the floor and handle offensive duties.

Staggering Robinson with Towns would allow the Knicks to maintain defensive intensity while keeping Towns fresh for offensive contributions.

Robinsons Contract and Cap Hit Robinson is in the third year of a four-year, $60 million contract, with a cap hit of $14.3 million for the 2024-25 season.

His contract makes him too valuable to purely serve as a bench piece, especially given his impact on the defensive end.

While the Knicks could consider trading him, his recent injury history has reduced his trade value, and its more likely they will retain him for now.

Robinsons role as a defensive anchor off the bench gives the Knicks flexibility, especially as they balance Towns offensive contributions with defensive stability.

His contract may seem hefty for a player coming off the bench, but his value in critical momentsparticularly in playoff matchups against elite centers like Joel Embiidmakes him an essential part of the Knicks long-term plans.

Mitchell Robinsons Return is Key to Knicks Championship Push The Knicks are positioned for a deep playoff run, and Robinsons return around the trade deadline could provide the crucial X-factor they need.

With Towns taking on a central role offensively, Robinsons ability to protect the rim and provide defensive intensity will give Thibodeau more options as the team gears up for the postseason.

While his injury history remains a concern, Robinsons defensive impact and contract status ensure that he will play a vital role in the Knicks rotation, whether off the bench or in a staggered lineup with Towns.

As the Knicks aim for a championship, the luxury of having both Towns and Robinson in the frontcourt could prove to be the difference-maker in key matchups, especially when the stakes are highest.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission..

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