Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla singled out new center Mitchell Robinson for high praise as the team opened training camp this week. The Celtics are integrating Robinson, a key offseason signing, into a roster that is already firing on all cylinders, having just concluded the regular season with a dominant 144-118 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on April 10. That win capped a perfect five-game stretch, extending their winning run.
Mazzulla's admiration for Robinson isn't new. He told reporters at a Tuesday news conference that he recognized Robinson's talent years ago. "I'd say (I knew Robinson was one of the best bigs) two-to-three years ago," Mazzulla said. He pointed to Robinson's defensive versatility as a major challenge when facing the New York Knicks. "His ability to be versatile on both ends of the floor..." Mazzulla explained. The coach believes Robinson's presence directly improves the team.
The Celtics acquired Robinson in free agency after his eight-year stint with the Knicks, where he served as their primary rim protector. Last season, he played 60 games, averaging 5.7 points on 72.3% shooting with 8.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. His career averages sit at 7.5 points and 8.0 rebounds. His role in Boston, whether as a starter or a reserve, remains a central question for the rotation. But his defensive skills against elite Eastern Conference bigs like Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo are seen as a significant asset. Mazzulla's comments suggest Robinson will be a focal point regardless of his minutes.
The team heads into camp with immense momentum. Their recent form shows five consecutive wins, including high-scoring affairs like the 147-129 victory in Miami on April 1 and a 133-101 rout of the Milwaukee Bucks on April 4. This strong finish to the regular season, which you can review on our stats page, sets a high standard for camp. The roster itself has undergone a major change, with the trade of Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia for Paul George headlining the offseason moves alongside Robinson's signing.
Robinson and his new teammates will get their first official test together in the preseason opener. They face the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 4 at 7 p.m. ET. That game will offer the first glimpse of how the revamped lineup, bolstered by Robinson's defensive prowess and the team's existing winning rhythm, will function on the court.
