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Mitchell Robinson, previously the longest-tenured member of the New York Knicks and a key figure in their championship season, has signed a three-year, $47.4 million contract with the rival Boston Celtics.
Drafted in the second round out of Western Kentucky in 2018, Robinson spent eight years with the Knicks and battled a multitude of injury issues that saw him play over 70 games just once.
But when he was on the court, he was often a force to be reckoned with.
Robinson is considered the best offensive rebounder in the game, averaging at least four per night in four of the last five seasons.
His presence on the glass and as a defensive stalwart provided invaluable depth at the 5 behind Karl-Anthony Towns, and he was often called upon for some massive assignments, like shutting down San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama during the NBA Finals.
He did just that at the end of Game 2, forcing Wembanyama to miss a 20-foot jumper to preserve a 105-104 victory and take a 2-0 series lead.
"What I'm proud about more than anything else, Mitch defended him the right way," Brown said after that Game 2 win.
"Wemby is iconic.
If he makes a shot, he makes a shot.
You're not blocking a shot.
You make him work; you lead with your chest.
You show your hands, and you embrace those details while trying to guard him and then box out.
It started with Mitch, and it ended with the other four guys boxing out.
So just a heck of a job by Mitch guarding the most iconic player in the world." But the confetti was still falling on the Knicks' parade when team owner James Dolan sent out an initial, ominous warning that he would refuse to go into the second apron to keep his championship side intact.
While they brought back Jose Alvarado, Landry Shamet, and Mo Diawara, the center market put a premium on Robinson's services, which priced him out of Leon Rose's jurisdiction.
The Celtics were one of the finalists for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, but lost out when the Milwaukee Bucks traded him to the Miami Heat.
They also let Nikola Vucevic walk in free agency, returning to the Orlando Magic on a one-year deal, which helped open up the space to nab Robinson with a big offer.
In Boston, Robinson has an opportunity to be a starter, which was never in the cards in New York with Towns controlling the 5.
For more on Mitchell Robinson and the Knicks, visit AMNY.com.