New York Knicks: 2018-19 End of Season Awards
By Joey Holeman
Rookie of the Year – Mitchell Robinson
Mitchell Robinson had a phenomenal rookie season earning NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors. This selection was well deserved as evidenced by some of the stats that defined his 2018-19 season.
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Robinson finished second in the league with 2.4 blocks per game, his per 36-minute average of 4.3 blocks is the highest in three years. At one point in the season, he had a stretch of 37 straight games with at least two blocks.
The highlight was a nine-block game against Orlando. Robinson failed to record at least one steal or block in just two out of 66 games he played in. Despite his aggressiveness on the defensive end, Robinson fouled out of only eight games this season.
Robinson has the potential to be both an impact defender and efficient offensive player. He is the brightest spot, with the most upside, of all the young talent currently on the Knicks roster. There is not much to take away from such a terrible season, but Robinson’s skill set is something to be excited about.
This is a very important offseason for the Knicks. The combination of money to spend on free agents, as well as the third pick in the NBA draft, will shape the franchise for the foreseeable future. Robinson is one player fans want the Knicks to keep. His raw talent and instincts on the defensive end can’t be taught. To be candid, Robinson, Kevin Knox and Frank Ntilikina are the only players that management should keep Knicks uniform next season.
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