Mitchell Robinson enters his first season with the Boston Celtics assured {that a} extra critical strategy to restoration may also help him produce his finest season in years.
“Proper now, I’m simply so assured in myself…I really feel like that is going to be a terrific yr for me. As you possibly can see, I’m beginning to take restoration much more significantly,” Robinson stated.
The 28-year-old middle signed a three-year, $47.4 million contract with Boston throughout free company, becoming a member of a Celtics frontcourt that lost Nikola Vucevic whereas retaining Neemias Queta and Luka Garza.
Robinson has been one of many NBA’s handiest inside finishers and offensive rebounders when wholesome. Throughout eight seasons, he has averaged 7.5 factors, 8.0 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in 23.4 minutes per recreation whereas taking pictures 70.2% from the sector.
His availability, nonetheless, has been an ongoing subject. Robinson has performed 60 or extra video games solely 4 occasions in his profession and appeared in simply 17 video games in 2024-25 earlier than returning for 60 video games in 2025-26.
Final season with the New York Knicks, Robinson averaged 5.7 factors and eight.8 rebounds in 19.6 minutes per recreation. He shot 72.3% from the sector and picked up 4.2 offensive rebounds per recreation, whereas his 1.2 blocks per recreation remained an essential a part of his defensive profile.
His offensive position has usually been restricted, however Robinson’s effectivity makes him beneficial round higher-usage creators. He has by no means averaged greater than 9.7 factors in a season, but his profession 70.2% field-goal proportion displays how closely his offense has been constructed round finishes close to the basket.
Boston may give him a distinct setting after the departure of Vucevic. Queta began 75 of his 76 video games final season and averaged 10.2 factors and eight.4 rebounds in 25.3 minutes, whereas Garza contributed 8.1 factors and 4.1 rebounds in 16.2 minutes.
The Celtics additionally stay constructed round Jayson Tatum and Derrick White, with Paul George arriving from Philadelphia within the trade that sent Jaylen Brown to the 76ers. Tatum performed solely 16 video games final season whereas recovering from Achilles surgical procedure, making his return one other main variable for Boston.
Robinson’s capacity to remain accessible may due to this fact be notably essential. His profession averages embrace 3.7 offensive rebounds and 1.7 blocks per recreation, giving Boston a possible supply of additional possessions and inside protection that enhances its perimeter-oriented core.
After a number of seasons disrupted by accidents, Robinson is now emphasizing restoration as a part of his preparation. His confidence suggests he believes the Celtics may be the setting for a more healthy and extra productive chapter of his profession.
