Knicks Targeting Mitchell Robinson More Often: 'Throw It To Me'

New coach Mike Brown has increased the team's focus on getting the big man involved in the offense.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 4:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The New York Knicks are making a more concerted effort to get the ball to center Mitchell Robinson, the team's biggest vertical threat, under new head coach Mike Brown. Robinson has seen an uptick in his scoring and rebounding production in recent games as the Knicks have made a point to find him on rolls to the rim and in pick-and-roll situations. Robinson has been vocal about wanting more touches, telling the team to "throw it to me" when he's open. The Knicks' increased focus on getting Robinson involved has helped swing opposing defenses in New York's favor.

Why it matters

Robinson is a key part of the Knicks' identity as a defensive-minded, blue-collar team. By making a concerted effort to get him more involved in the offense, the Knicks are unlocking an underutilized dimension of their attack and playing to Robinson's strengths as a lob threat and offensive rebounder. This could pay dividends as the Knicks look to solidify their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

The details

Over his last seven games, Robinson is averaging 6.9 points per game, up from 4.9 on the season. He's been more active on the offensive glass, with more unassisted field goals (36) than assisted (32) so far this year. The Knicks' coaching staff believes that targeting Robinson on rolls and cuts to the rim can help swing opposing defenses' physicality in New York's favor, as teams have to be aggressive in defending him. The team acknowledges that they should have made an effort to get Robinson more involved earlier in the season.

  • Robinson has three or more made field goals in six of his last seven games.
  • Over his last seven games, Robinson is averaging 6.9 points per game, up from 4.9 on the season.

The players

Mitchell Robinson

The Knicks' starting center, known for his defensive prowess and athleticism as a lob threat on offense.

Mike Brown

The Knicks' new head coach, who has made a concerted effort to get Robinson more involved in the team's offense.

Josh Hart

A Knicks player who acknowledged the team should have been looking to get Robinson more involved earlier in the season.

OG Anunoby

A player who praised Robinson's impact, saying "No one like him in the league" and that his impact is felt every night in many different ways.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'Ehh. A little here and there. But I tell them when we're watching film, look here: I'm wide open. Throw it to me. I do a lil dirty work so reward me. That's kinda how that is.'”

— Mitchell Robinson

“'Whoever's guarding Mitch is aggressive. And so if teams keep stepping up and trying to be aggressive on the ball screens, Mitch has to get out quick and he's gotta look for it at the rim.'”

— Mike Brown, Head Coach

“'He can set good screens and obviously is a lob threat, so we've got to make sure we utilize that, and when you utilize that, then you cause some of that indecision in terms of the ball handling, the ball screen and the communication and that allows the ball handler to get downhill with those kinds of things. So that's something that we should have looked at, looked for him more at the beginning of the year, but I think we're doing a good job with it now.'”

— Josh Hart, Player

“'He does this every night. He's a special player. No one like him in the league. His impact is felt every night in many different ways, so this is a usual night for him.'”

— OG Anunoby

What’s next

The Knicks will look to continue featuring Mitchell Robinson in their offense as they push for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

The takeaway

By making a concerted effort to get Mitchell Robinson more involved in the offense, the Knicks are unlocking an underutilized dimension of their attack and playing to Robinson's strengths as a lob threat and offensive rebounder. This could pay dividends as the team looks to solidify its position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.