Mitchell Robinson has apologized online for his latest complaints about his role, citing personal issues as precursors to implying he’s not going on offense and “really just wasting my time and energy” during games.
“I went through the perfect storm, as I call it,” Robinson wrote on Instagram Friday to KnicksFanTV, two days after the center’s complaint on a different social media platform. “After the game against Portland, I just broke down like I had a baby in the way that I had family issues. I just found a way to get back under control when my mind was free. I was fine after having 3 bad games.
“I started thinking about all the things that was going on and I kept going. … My mistake, I should have handled it differently, I didn’t want bad blood, I just had to find myself.”
Robinson has also defended himself against accusations that he is selfish, writing that he puts his body on the line and risks injury to defend himself.
“Most of you say I need to play better (but) I play the way (the Knicks) want me to play for 5 years.”
Robinson was responding to criticism for his post after Tuesday’s win over the Blazers, when he scored just two points in 21 minutes, writing on Snapchat: “Tired of going out for cardio. …Just wasting my time and energy. …disappearing for a while.”
The Knicks did not make Robinson available to the media after practice Friday and did not explain why.
With cryptic social media posts his preferred mode of communication, Robinson has complained multiple times about his lack of offensive opportunities. As a shot-blocking and rebounding specialist, he averages just 4.8 shot attempts in 27.3 minutes. Regardless of any discontent, he signed a four-year, $60 million deal before this season.
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Most of Robinson’s chances are on lobs and setbacks. He rarely has the ball in his hands. He’s a product of Tom Thibodeau’s system, but also fits Robinson’s limited skill set, as he hasn’t shown any movement in the post or jumps. Even Robinson’s free throws miss more than half the time.
Former NBA player Chandler Parsons criticized Robinson for fueling the distractions after a Knicks win.
“This is a sign of immaturity. This is selfish. This is him being a bad teammate,” Parsons said on FanDuel TV’s “Run It Back.” “His team of him is finally on top. They are having a great year. They haven’t done anything with it. Now they’re finally getting a taste of success and you really provide this public distraction and let’s be honest, big guys like this when they go on a rant, what do you want? Do you want the ball in isos?
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“He has zero game. He can’t go and score,” Parsons continued. “It’s not like he’s going for buckets, so I don’t really know where he’s going. He’s a great big man who can roll, who can run, who can block shots, who can help defensively… But he’ll be exposed if they give him the ball… He’s not that guy.”
Thibodeau played down Robinson’s public complaints.
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It has been well. There will be some frustrations over the course of a season,” the coach said. “He has played very well. Just focus. Sometimes frustration can creep in. You have to fix it. Then move on. That’s all.”
Jalen Brunson said it’s his job as a point guard to help a frustrated player get involved. Robinson hasn’t scored in double digits in the last four games.
“It’s definitely my job. I have to be the guy who sets the table for everyone, and I have to do a great job of being able to get going but at the same time getting my teammates going,” Brunson said. “But it’s the NBA. Guys are going to be frustrated night after night, but it’s all about how we handle it internally and where we go from there.
“You say something (as a leader to encourage him), but at the same time, you don’t repeatedly knock on that door. Did you say something; you keep going; Get better. That’s how it is. Mitch has reacted very well to that.
Robinson will have a tough defensive task Saturday against the Nuggets and reigning two-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
