It's way too early to hit the panic button on Mitchell Robinson. Within that is an acknowledgement that he's off to a slow start in his first season with the Boston Celtics.
Entering Friday night's NBA Cup contest against the Chicago Bulls, Boston was 13.5 points worse with him on the floor, per databallr.com. The sample is skewed by consisting of only four games. It's still disappointing.
However, give him time to play his way into shape. Right now, Robinson lumbers up and down the floor. He also might be dealing with an injury. One is accustomed to seeing a more athletic version of him.
Durability concerns follow him from New York. However, a benefit of boasting the NBA's best center trio is that Boston can pace him. His shifts are typically 5-6 minutes; nothing too taxing. As long as he stays healthy, his conditioning should improve. He'll also get more comfortable in a new system, one that requires him to be more active, over time.
The Celtics aren't worried about Mitchell Robinson: 'Extremely pleased'
Despite those outside the organization feeling underwhelmed by the start of the seven-foot center's tenure in Boston, those in the building see it differently.
"I think we are all extremely pleased with what Mitch is doing," said Tony Dobbins before Friday night's tilt at TD Garden. "Happy to have him here. And I'm going to continue to try to help him get acclimated to our system and what we're doing, but he's doing a phenomenal job."
Still, the data says that the team's offensive rating is almost 10 points worse with Robinson on the floor. They're giving up nearly four more points per 100 possessions with him in the lineup.
He's a far better rim protector than he has shown. He's also a more effective screener and more dominant on the glass at both ends of the court.
Celtics fans need to be patient with Mitchell Robinson
The team is supporting him. That helps. But the ninth-year veteran knows he can make much more of an impact.
After Boston's season opener, a 121-113 loss to the Detroit Pistons, the former Knicks center said that he played like trash. He felt he was slow to react at times. He was also upset by his effort, wishing he had competed at a higher level.
That he is hard on himself and cares is crucial. It bodes well for his ability to right the ship. And while the first four games were disappointing, they don't align with the caliber of player he has been throughout his career. So, be patient. The version of Robinson the Celtics signed should appear at some point. And while it might not look like it right now, it may not be far off.
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