Minnesota Timberwolves Bargain Basement Bigs III: Mitchell Robinson
By Bret Stuter
The Minnesota Timberwolves may be shopping to fill a number of needs, but the team is doing so from a position of strength. What do I mean? While the team may choose to make trades, pursue players in NBA Free Agency, or wheel and deal in the 2022 NBA Draft. It may be this fact that helped attract Tim Connelly to sign on as the President of Basketball Operations.
In short, there are no fires to put out. There are no emergency fixes for the team required. This is a playoff team that could be a playoff team by doing nothing this offseason. Of course, doing nothing is hardly the expectation. Connelly is working on his Minnesota Timberwolves punch list of positions needing additional reinforcements.
We believe that the frontcourt is one area of the team that may need his more immediate attention. Karl-Anthony Towns needs help, and if he gets into foul trouble, then the Timberwolves are much less effective. So what can the Timberwolves do? Well, shopping for a low-risk high-reward player for starters.
NBA Free Agency – III Mitchell Robinson
The New York Knicks have gotten quality play out of 24-year-old center Mitchell Robinson. This 7-foot-0 240-pound is a solid center option and has filled the role of both backup and starter in his four-year NBA career.
Running in the big center track, he is a master of working the boards for rebounds, getting off shots in the paint, and even being a nemesis to shooters with an average of 2.0 blocks per game over his career. Surprisingly good at ball control for a big man, as he does not turn over the ball often. He will not stretch the field, but he does make his presence felt under the basket.
He is coming off a three-year / $4,709,013 contract with the Knicks and could be lured into a backup role for a team with a strong chance of earning a berth in the NBA Playoffs. Robinson is a strong defender and forces anyone planning to drive to the basket to pull up and shoot off balance or dish the ball to a teammate. Robinson is a solid option if the Timberwolves can convince him to sign on.