Mitchell Robinson has hauled in just 11 offensive rebounds across his first six games with the Boston Celtics, a steep drop from the 4.2 per game he averaged last season with the New York Knicks.
The Contract and Early Struggles in Boston
The Boston Celtics signed Mitchell Robinson to a three-year, $47.4 million contract in the offseason to protect the rim and dominate the offensive glass. Early returns have fallen short of that investment. The team initially named Robinson their starting center to open the 2026-27 season, pushing Neemias Queta to the bench after his breakout campaign last year.
Following a rest day during a back-to-back set, Robinson returned to the floor Monday against the Houston Rockets but came off the bench. Head coach Joe Mazzulla handed Queta his second start at center.
Joe has to pull Mitch and ride with Cenac
In 15 minutes of action during the 109-93 loss to Houston, Robinson recorded four points, four rebounds, and four personal fouls. His early-season output has drawn sharp criticism from analysts, with Nick Cattles remarking that Robinson has looked distracted and out of position on defense while failing to secure enough boards.
Adjusting to Joe Mazzulla’s System
Robinson acknowledged his difficult transition after Monday’s defeat. I gotta figure it out soon,
Robinson told reporters, according to comments relayed by Bobby Krivitsky of Forbes. At the end of the day, it’s still basketball. Things that I do naturally, I should just still be doing it, and I just haven’t found my rhythm yet.
Mitchell Robinson on not having his normal impact on the offensive glass: “I gotta figure it out soon.” 🎥: @NBCSCeltics https://t.co/3OgeLIquo5 pic.twitter.com/p91EOsB6H9
Mazzulla addressed reporters regarding Robinson’s struggles in the pick-and-roll game, explaining that the coaching staff deploys the 28-year-old big man differently than the New York Knicks did during his time in New York.
In terms of his impact on offensive rebounding, we have him a bit further from the basket: he sets screens and participates in playmaking from the perimeter as part of our offense,
Mazzulla said, noting that Robinson is asked to set screens and facilitate from the perimeter rather than simply camp near the basket. I think that influences it a little bit. But in the two-man game, there are simply things we have to work on.
Boston Integrates Frontcourt Rotation Ahead of Next Fixture
With Queta reassumed into the starting unit and Luka Garza rounding out the center depth, Robinson must quickly adapt his responsibilities to match Boston’s offensive scheme. The Celtics hold a 3-year commitment on the center, giving the organization time to iron out the tactical kinks.
The Celtics return to practice ahead of their next scheduled NBA fixture as they attempt to integrate their frontcourt rotation and recover from an uneven start to the campaign.
Robinson on adjusting to a new system: “At the end of the day, it’s still basketball. Things that I do naturally, I should just still be doing it, and I just haven’t found my rhythm yet.” https://t.co/K7EY9xjdWW
