As part of their annual tradition, the Philadelphia 76ers will once again be on the lookout for more reinforcements at the center position in free agency. And to that effect, they have just watched a huge opportunity open up as Mitchell Robinson, one of the better big man free agents this summer, is reportedly going to be up for taking without much resistance from the Knicks.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Robinson –– a key part of New York's championship run this year –– is not expected to come to terms with the Knicks on a new deal in free agency. That would end his tenure in the Big Apple which lasted for eight years. But more importantly, this gives the 76ers brain trust a new name to zoom in on in the open market.
Robinson saw his minutes get shafted in the last couple of years with the arrival of Karl-Anthony Towns, but he has nonetheless remained one of the most physically imposing big men in the league. He is a tenacious operator on the boards, especially on the offensive glass. Defensively, he is still an effective rim deterrent.
The 76ers can now target Mitchell Robinson in free agency
In just 19.6 minutes per outing this season, Robinson turned in 5.7 points and 8.8 rebounds a night, the latter of which includes 4.2 offensive boards on the average –– the second-best mark in the league despite his relatively limited playing time.
Rebounding remains one of Philly's main weaknesses, and Robinson can definitely lend them a hand in that regard. The Knicks thoroughly enjoyed having him crash the boards and kick the ball out in the perimeter to find open shooters. The 76ers would surely welcome the ability to have that at their disposal.
Defense is also another area where Robinson makes a bounty. He is a solid rim protector with his huge frame, and even better is the fact that he is mobile enough to latch onto perimeter operators when he get switched onto them.
The 76ers need someone proven like Robinson to spell Joel Embiid off the bench. The former MVP will be missing games next season, so having someone who has experience starting games like Robinson will be crucial. Acquiring him would also allow the coaching staff to further reduce Embiid's minutes when he is in uniform.
It is quite strange for a newly crowned NBA champion to adopt a frugal approach ahead of their title defense, but the 76ers will gladly take it. Mitchell Robinson was an important piece for the Knicks, and now that he is nearly guaranteed to leave New York, Philly's new-look front office now has a new target to put a laser on in free agency.
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