At training camp at the Auerbach Center on Monday, Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla discussed Mitchell Robinson's acclimation to a new offensive system.
As he did so, Mazzulla highlighted the most underrated trait that allows the former New York Knicks center to excel.
"He has a really high basketball IQ, and [I'm] excited to see where he takes that position," Boston's bench boss expressed.
It is easy for one to appreciate the seven-footer's size and athleticism. How the eight-year veteran applies his intellect is less pronounced. However, it's still a crucial component in maximizing his physical gifts.
Where Mitchell Robinson's basketball IQ shines
The 28-year-old from Pensacola, Florida, is outstanding at containing pick-and-roll attacks. One may think that, at his size, he's limited to playing drop coverage. He's actually more versatile than that.
Robinson utilizes his length and athleticism to effectively play up to touch, hard or soft hedge, or position himself just below the screen. His savvy helped him generate 2.1 deflections per game, per NBA.com.
That's a testament to an individual who knows how to play passing lanes. He understands angles and can quickly diagnose what's happening. That processing speed allows him to neutralize downhill drivers out of pick-and-rolls and deter the lob to the roller.
Mitchell Robinson is the NBA's best rebounder
Among those with at least 5,000 career minutes, the Celtics' new center is tied with Dennis Rodman for the second-highest career offensive rebounding rate, per ESPN's Zach Kram.
Of the 175 players to log at least 10,000 minutes since Robinson entered the Association, no one has grabbed more offensive rebounds on a per-minute basis, per the ALL NBA Podcast.
The former second-round pick doesn't just apply size and blunt force to extend possessions. He is excellent at tracking where his teammates' misses are most likely to go. That comes from his work in the film room.
The continuity he enjoyed with Knicks teammates he played with for years certainly helped too. However, in a testament to being a quick study, Robinson believes it will take him about 20 games to have a firm grasp of his new teammates' shot patterns. That understanding of where the ball is most likely to land will help Boston win the most significant battle on the margins.
Mitchell Robinson is a screening savant
That doesn't just come from his road-grading picks. Like with his ability to deftly defend pick-and-rolls, he takes great angles when setting a screen. That allows the seven-foot center to maximize his size and physicality.
It leads to a numbers advantage or forces a mismatch. That typically produces points. It's also part of why he's such a lethal lob threat.
Now the Celtics get to reap the benefits of that and the advantages that come from Robinson using his basketball IQ to make winning plays on both sides of the ball.
Add us as a preferred source on Google