Mitchell Robinson Bio
Mitchell Robinson III is an American professional basketball player who serves as center for the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Selected with the 36th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, Robinson has become the franchise’s longest-tenured active player. Prior to beginning his professional career, he gained national attention for withdrawing from his commitment to Western Kentucky University to dedicate the entire 2017–18 season to individual training, becoming the first player to make such a decision. His unique path to the NBA and his exceptional shot-blocking ability have made him a notable figure in professional basketball.
Early Life and Background
Mitchell Robinson was born on April 1, 1998, in Pensacola, Florida. He began playing basketball relatively late, starting in eighth grade during a remarkable growth spurt that saw him shoot up from 6 feet 2 inches to 7 feet 0 inches. This late start meant he was still developing his fundamental skills during his early high school years. Robinson attended Pine Forest High School in Pensacola for his freshman and sophomore years, where he did not make a significant impact on the court.
Robinson briefly transferred to Landry-Walker College and Career Preparatory High School in New Orleans as a sophomore but did not play for the school. He first appeared in organized competition during the summer league before his junior year at Chalmette High School in Louisiana. This move marked the beginning of his transformation into a highly decorated high school prospect.
High School Career and Path to Basketball
At Chalmette High School, Robinson developed into an elite basketball talent. As a junior, he led the Owls to their first state playoff win in 19 years. He averaged 20.9 points, 13.6 rebounds, 8.1 blocks, and 2 steals per game, earning all-district, all-Metro, and all-State honors. Robinson then joined Dallas-based Nike Pro Skills on the AAU circuit, where he continued to dominate, averaging 15.5 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 4.1 blocks per game against top national competition and earning All-EYBL second team recognition.
During his senior season, Robinson reached new heights, averaging 25.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and six blocks per game. He earned Naismith Trophy All-America honorable mention, MaxPreples All-America honorable mention, USA Today All-USA Louisiana first team, and was named the All-Metro Player of the Year by the New Orleans Advocate. He led Chalmette to their first district championship in 20 years and to the state semifinals for the first time in 32 years. Robinson became the first Chalmette basketball player to be named a McDonald’s All-American and also played in the Jordan Brand Classic.
Mitchell Robinson Career
College Decision and Pre-Draft Journey
Robinson originally committed to play college basketball at Texas A&M before following coach Rick Stansbury to Western Kentucky University when Stansbury became the Hilltoppers’ head coach. He enrolled at WKU in July 2017 but left campus after just two weeks of practice. After being suspended indefinitely for violating team rules, Robinson was granted a release to transfer. He visited Louisiana State University, the University of Kansas, and the University of New Orleans before returning to WKU in August 2017.
On September 18, 2017, Robinson announced he would forgo college entirely and prepare for the 2018 NBA Draft independently. This made him the first recruited draft prospect to not play for any college, professional, or high school team for an entire year before entering the NBA Draft. He withdrew from the NBA Draft Combine on its scheduled day, taking an unconventional path that drew significant media attention.
New York Knicks Breakthrough (2018–Present)
On June 21, 2018, Robinson was selected by the New York Knicks with the 36th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. After setting summer league records for blocked shots and offensive rebounds, he signed his rookie contract on July 8, 2018. He made his professional debut on October 17, 2018, scoring two points in a win against the Atlanta Hawks. Robinson quickly demonstrated his shot-blocking prowess, setting the Knicks’ rookie record with nine blocks against the Orlando Magic on November 11, 2018.
Throughout his rookie season, Robinson established himself as one of the league’s premier rim protectors. He finished second in the NBA in blocks per game and recorded his first double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds against the Dallas Mavericks. On March 28, 2019, he recorded season highs of 19 points and 21 rebounds against the Toronto Raptors, becoming the first Knicks rookie since Willis Reed in 1965 to achieve that feat. His rookie campaign concluded with him being named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
The following seasons saw Robinson continue his development while battling injuries. On December 17, 2019, he scored a career-high 22 points with 13 rebounds against the Atlanta Hawks. Less than two weeks later, on January 1, 2020, he scored 22 points on a perfect 11-of-11 shooting from the field against the Portland Trail Blazers. When the 2019–20 regular season concluded, Robinson broke Wilt Chamberlain’s league record for highest field goal percentage in a single season, showcasing his efficiency around the basket.
On February 12, 2021, Robinson suffered a fractured right hand that ended his season prematurely. He appeared in 72 games that season, averaging 8.5 points and 8.6 rebounds. The Knicks rewarded his loyalty on July 12, 2022, by re-signing him to a four-year, $60 million contract. During the 2022–23 season, Robinson made 59 appearances with 58 starts, averaging 7.4 points and 9.4 rebounds.
Injury Challenges and Resilience (2023–2025)
The 2023–24 season presented challenges as Robinson appeared in only 31 games due to injury, averaging 5.6 points and 8.5 rebounds. On September 23, 2024, it was announced that Robinson would miss the beginning of the regular season after undergoing offseason ankle surgery. He returned on February 28, 2025, recording six points and five rebounds in a win against the Memphis Grizzlies. In his injury-truncated season, Robinson logged averages of 5.1 points and 5.9 rebounds over 17 games.
Playing Style and Strengths
Robinson has earned recognition as one of the best shot blockers in NBA history, with uncommon closing speed and exceptional length that produces numerous highlight-reel blocks. His offensive rebounding ability ranks among the highest in NBA history, making him a constant threat for second-chance points. Despite his 7-foot frame, he runs the fast break exceptionally well and converts alley-oop dunks with regularity. His shot diet in the NBA has consisted entirely of dunks and layups, demonstrating his commitment to playing efficient basketball near the rim. His primary weakness remains free throw shooting, as he owns the lowest career free throw percentage in NBA history, leading opposing teams to employ the “Hack-a-Mitch” strategy of intentionally fouling him.
Notable Events and Milestones
Robinson’s career has been marked by several historic achievements. His 2019–20 season field goal percentage broke Wilt Chamberlain’s single-season record. He became just the second Knicks rookie to record 19 points and 21 rebounds in a game, joining Willis Reed. His 2025 NBA Cup championship added to his collection of team achievements. Throughout his career, he has been compared to elite rim protectors like DeAndre Jordan and Tyson Chandler, validating his draft projections as one of the best shot-blocking prospects in his class.
Mitchell Robinson Career Highlights
Throughout his career with the New York Knicks, Robinson has accumulated significant achievements at both the collegiate and professional levels. His high school career produced multiple state-level honors and made him the first McDonald’s All-American from Chalmette High School. In the NBA, his rookie season earned him All-Rookie Second Team honors, and he has consistently ranked among the league leaders in blocks and offensive rebounding percentage.
NBA Career Achievements
Robinson’s NBA career highlights include the 2025 NBA Cup championship with the Knicks, NBA All-Rookie Second Team selection in 2019, and being named a McDonald’s All-American in 2017. His single-season field goal percentage record and consistent presence among the league’s top shot blockers and offensive rebounders underscore his impact. He became the Knicks’ longest-tenured active player, demonstrating the franchise’s trust in his abilities despite the team’s various roster changes over the years.
Statistical Milestones
His statistical milestones include setting the Knicks’ rookie record for blocks in a game with nine, recording 19 points and 21 rebounds as a rookie, and achieving the highest single-season field goal percentage in NBA history. His career high of 22 points has been matched multiple times, and his rebounding totals have consistently placed him among the league’s top performers at his position despite missing significant time due to injuries.
Mitchell Robinson Family
Personal Life
Robinson resides in White Plains, New York, where he lives with his daughter Riley, born in 2023. Outside of basketball, he is known as a truck enthusiast and has built a collection of custom pickup trucks. His journey from Pensacola to becoming a professional basketball player in New York reflects his dedication to the sport and his ability to overcome unique challenges in his path to the NBA.
2025–26 Season Performance
The 2025–26 season represented a significant chapter in Robinson’s career as he returned from injury to contribute to the Knicks’ championship pursuit. After his limited appearances in the previous season due to ankle surgery, Robinson worked to regain his form and provide interior presence for the team. His experience and shot-blocking ability remained valuable assets as the Knicks competed for playoff positioning throughout the season.
Robinson’s veteran presence in the locker room proved important during the Knicks’ playoff run. His communication with coaches and teammates helped maintain team chemistry during high-pressure situations. Despite not posting career-high statistics, his contributions on defense and on the boards proved essential in close games. The partnership between Robinson and the coaching staff continued to develop as they maximized his strengths while managing his minutes and health appropriately throughout the grueling NBA season.