New York Knicks sensation Mitchell Robinson is looking to model his game after the outspoken, competitive Joel Embiid.
If you ask anyone who watched the New York Knicks during the 2018-19 season, there’s one major positive that stands out—Mitchell Robinson. The Knicks took a chance on the raw big man in the second round and it paid off.
After setting rookie records and serving as one of the few bright spots for Knicks fans, Robinson is looking to take his game to the next level. After already declaring that he wants to develop a three-point shot, Robinson is talking about why he wants to model his game after Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid.
“If I was to (reference a current player), I’d say I model my game after Joel Embiid a little bit,” Robinson said to ESPN’s Ian Begley. “He’s a competitor. He just likes to go at it. He goes at everybody. He doesn’t care who you are. He’s going to go at you. And I really like that about him.”
Knicks fans should be salivating at the mouth right now. Obviously, Robinson does not have the physical presence that Embiid brings to the court. However, Robinson can bring that competitive edge while he grows into his body.
Moreover, the admiration is mutual. Embiid was complimentary of Robinson after a February tilt in Madison Square Garden.
“He’s long. That’s all I can say,” Embiid told MSG’s Rebecca Haarlow. “Obviously can move really well, has a lot of potential. He needs to work on his body, but he’s got a chance to be a good big man in this league.
“He’s long. I mean, a couple times I thought I had a shot and he just came up with his long ass arms and blocked it.”
While Knicks fans pray for a productive summer from the front office, they can rest assured that Robinson is doing everything he can to be ready for the 2019-20 season. The sky is the limit for him and he’s saying all the right things so far this offseason.
