The Boston Celtics signed Mitchell Robinson this offseason and will quickly find out that it is impossible to keep him on the floor in the biggest games. Boston’s head coach Joe Mazzulla used the Hack-a-Mitch strategy (subscription required) in the 2025 playoffs with varying degrees of success, but things got even more difficult for Robinson as he helped the Knicks win the title in 2026. He played just 13.9 minutes per game, and New York was forced to take him out of multiple games as he shot 29.3 percent from the foul line.
The Celtics desperately needed another center. Nikola Vucevic wasn’t the answer, and Mitch Rob gives Boston something each of the last three champs have had. It could be a massive signing, but only if Robinson can stay on the floor. Coach Mazzulla will be forced into some difficult decisions, and the Celtics will quickly find out what the Knicks have known for years.
There is no easy answer when teams start fouling Mitch Rob. He is an elite defender and rebounder with serious flaws. His offensive game is virtually non-existent. Robinson can set screens, but he struggles to catch lobs and has shot 43.6 percent from the foul line over the last three seasons. When teams start ruining the flow by fouling him, the pressure quickly builds to send the seven-footer back to the bench. Mazzulla and the Celtics will be forced to sit him.
Celtics will learn that sometimes benching Mitchell Robinson is a must
Boston loves the idea of Mitch Rob creating extra possessions and playing elite defense. They want to get back into title contention. Having an impactful big man is important, and Robinson can be an elite defender and rebounder. The questions center around his offensive game.
Robinson simply can’t make enough free throws to stay on the floor when the opposition starts fouling intentionally. It is why the Knicks needed Karl-Anthony Towns. Mitch Rob is arguably the NBA’s best backup big man, but he can’t play a larger role because of his limited offensive game.
The 28-year-old has a lengthy injury history. He has averaged just 45 games per season over the last six years, so Boston has to do everything possible to keep him healthy. Expecting more than 60 games from Mitch Rob in a season seems like a mistake. He will miss time and struggles to make an impact in the biggest games.
Robinson failed to play more than 20 minutes in any playoff game in 2026. He got under 13 minutes in seven of the 18 contests. The Knicks won the championship. They clearly felt like they couldn’t trust the seven-footer in some moments and were quick to take him out if things were going sideways.
Joe Mazzulla will have to adapt the Celtics rotation on the fly
Teams are incentivized to foul Robison whenever he gets close to the rim or is struggling mightily to make his free throws. Boston doesn’t want to see the ball taken out of Tatum’s hands to watch the seven-footer parade to the free-throw line.
Teams can’t intentionally foul in the final two minutes of the quarter. Those could be wise minutes to plan for Mitch Rob, but the rest will have to be done on the fly.
The Cavaliers and Spurs both found a way to keep Robinson under ten minutes in one game. That is two of nine conference or NBA Finals games where the big man was virtually unplayable. The Knicks tried, but had to give him the quick hook.
Mazzulla can turn to Luka Garza to give Neemias Queta a rest, or Boston could go small. They have options, but the head coach needs to rework the rotation in the moment. Mazzulla should have no issues, but it isn’t ideal.
The Boston Celtics will have no choice but to remove Mitchell Robinson from the game when he can’t make his free throws. If teams use the Hack-a-Mitch strategy, they will play him off the floor. Joe Mazzulla should already be learning from Mike Brown on how to maximize Mitch Rob. New York wouldn't have won the championship without the big man’s help.
The Celtics can’t be afraid to pull the plug when things aren’t working. Robinson can make a massive positive or negative impact. It is on the head coach to manage him. The Knicks did it perfectly, and Mazzulla should be taking notes.
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