The Boston Celtics introduced their major offseason additions on Tuesday, but new center Mitchell Robinson was absent from the press conference for personal reasons. Team president Brad Stevens confirmed Robinson had been at the Auerbach Center earlier in the day before departing.
Paul George and Mike Conley Jr. Fielded questions about their roles alongside Jayson Tatum and the team's summer overhaul. Robinson's absence was addressed immediately. Stevens told reporters the 7-footer had left town that morning. The situation was confirmed just before the session began.
Robinson signed a three-year, $47.4 million deal with Boston in July after helping the New York Knicks win the NBA title. The contract includes a player option for the third season. He spent his first eight NBA seasons with the Knicks, who drafted him 36th overall in 2018.
Robinson brings a specific, high-impact skill set to Boston's frontcourt. Last season with the Knicks, he averaged 5.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in just 19.6 minutes per game. His 72.3% field goal percentage was elite, and he ranked second in the NBA with 4.2 offensive rebounds per contest.
Injuries have been a challenge, including a broken pinkie before last year's Finals, but he played 60 games. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla is a known admirer. During a 2025 playoff series, Mazzulla instructed his players to intentionally foul Robinson to limit his effectiveness. "I told him the fouling was a compliment," Mazzulla said. "He was so effective when he's on the floor."
Despite missing the formal introduction, Robinson has been active in informal team workouts this month. He's already making an impression and expressed strong confidence in his expanded game. "Was working out with my coach in Boston. You know what he said?" Robinson said. "The ball handling, the shooting, the touch. Right now, I'm just so confident in myself."
He is expected to compete for minutes alongside Neemias Queta, who started 75 games last season averaging 10.2 points and 8.4 rebounds, and Luka Garza.
Training camp opens on September 29, with the preseason schedule beginning on October 8. Integrating Robinson's defensive presence and rebounding will be a key task for Mazzulla. Adding Robinson's paint dominance could address a clear need. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on our schedule page as the new campaign approaches.
