Knicks Big Man Ready For Major Breakout Season

With all the chatter before the summer about whether or not the New York Knicks would be re-signing up-and-coming center Mitchell Robinson, it turns out that his 4-year, $60M contract could be well worth the money for the Knicks. 

If Robinson's preseason showing is any indication, he is in for a major breakthrough season. 

Robinson has averaged 8.4 points and 8.4 rebounds over the last two seasons, and he's showing he's ready to take a giant leap. His 20-point, 12-rebound, two-block performance in the final preseason game could be a sign of things to come. 

“I think all aspects of his game, he’s put a lot of work in,” Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said“He’s gotten better. The rebounding, the shot-blocking, he’s getting more comfortable with the ball. The finishing. The pressure on the rim. That set the tone from the start.”

And it's not only his coach that's noticing; his teammates have also marveled at how Robinson looks out there. 

"I think he's as comfortable and sure of himself as I've seen him," said Julius Randle. "He came into camp in the best shape I've ever seen him. He's playing with energy & continuous effort... He's special."

“He works hard. He’s a great guy off the court," added newcomer Jalen Brunson. "We got to build a lot of chemistry over the past couple of weeks."

And the big man himself is enjoying every minute of his impending breakthrough year. 

"I wanna play and enjoy it as much as I can...Not a lot of 7-footers gonna last that long. Something goes out: knees, back, anything. So I’m gonna continue to work and stay in this league as long as I can. I love it."

Knicks fans are loving it too.

Photo: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports