The Knicks Rim Protection Woes Could Force Mitchell Robinson Back Into the Starting Five
As the New York Knicks prepare for the upcoming season, one of the biggest questions is who will claim the final spot in their starting lineup. Four positions are already locked in—Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns. The debate centers around whether Josh Hart, Deuce McBride, or Mitchell Robinson should round out the starting five.
A major factor in the discussion is the Knicks’ league-worst rim defense last season. New York allowed opponents to shoot 64.8% at the rim, a number that highlights just how porous their interior defense had become. This troubling stat alone makes a compelling case for Robinson to reclaim his starting role.
Why Robinson Makes Sense
Robinson’s presence dramatically changes the Knicks’ defense. Despite appearing in only 17 regular-season games, his playoff impact was undeniable. With Robinson on the bench, opponents shot seven percent better at the rim, and the Knicks allowed four more points per 100 possessions, according to pbpstats.com.
Metrics from BBall Index also had New York ranked 24th in Rim Deterrence, showing how rarely they discouraged drives without a true rim protector. Robinson, when healthy, addresses this glaring weakness more than any other option on the roster.
The Downsides of Starting Him
However, inserting Robinson into the starting lineup isn’t without drawbacks. Playing Robinson next to Towns in a double-big setup can hurt spacing, limiting offensive flexibility for Brunson and Towns’ two-man actions. It also risks putting Towns in more difficult defensive matchups against quicker wings—an issue that plagued him late last season and in the playoffs.
Health remains the biggest concern. Robinson’s career has been riddled with injuries, and asking him to handle a full-time starting role might be a gamble. Preserving him for the postseason by bringing him off the bench could be the smarter long-term approach.
What Will Mike Brown Do?
New head coach Mike Brown inherits a roster with options—something Tom Thibodeau rarely experimented with. Brown could follow Thibodeau’s lead and start Josh Hart, or he could surprise many by inserting McBride for defensive versatility and spacing.
But if rim protection is truly the priority, the numbers point squarely to Mitchell Robinson as the answer. Whether Brown plays it safe or shakes things up, his decision will reveal just how much the Knicks are willing to sacrifice defense for spacing—and how much they trust Robinson to stay healthy.
