Boston Celtics' Mitchell Robinson Dominates the Conversation with His Offense, But His Defense Deserves More Attention
When the Boston Celtics signed former Knick Mitchell Robinson to a three-year, $47.4 million deal this offseason, it didn’t take long for one part of his game to dominate the conversation: offensive rebounding. However, the big man is more than just one of the league’s offensive rebounders. And for great reason. Robinson has established himself as one of, if not, the best offensive rebounders in the NBA, giving Boston exactly the type of interior presence they needed.
The seven-footer averaged 8.8 total rebounds per game in just 19.6 minutes a night for the Finals-winning New York Knicks. His impact on the offensive glass was even more impressive, as he pulled down 4.2 offensive rebounds per game, good for second in the league, despite playing at least six fewer minutes per game than every other player in the top-five.
But there is another part of Robinson’s game that deserves far more attention: his three-point shooting. A man can dream, but for real this time: his defense. I went back through Robinson’s entire playoff run to recall what the impact on that end looks like.
Robinson’s ability to protect the rim, use his length as a deterrent, and provide a legitimate defensive presence behind Boston’s perimeter defenders could ultimately be 1A/1B situation in terms of importance with his rebounding. When it comes to pure shot-blocking, Robinson averaged 2.2 blocks per 75 possessions, placing him in the 95th percentile.
According to Bball-Index, he recorded a block on 27% of his shot contests, a figure that ranked in the 96th percentile and further underscored his ability to protect the rim. Furthermore, Robinson is simply a high-impact defender. When he isn’t blocking shots at the rim, he is deterring attempts altogether, forcing rushed kick-outs, using his size to hold his own in the post and displaying excellent timing as a help defender.
His +2.7 Defensive DPM last season ranked in the 99th percentile, while his 23.2% defensive rebound rate allowed him to consistently finish possessions on the glass. He is more than a big body who just stands in the paint. When healthy, Robinson gives the Celtics an athletic, mobile center capable of erasing mistakes at the rim and making life difficult for opposing offenses on the perimeter.
He regularly demonstrated the ability to cut off driving lanes, slide his feet in aggressive pick-and-roll coverages while recovering to his assignment, and stay in front of smaller offensive players long enough to force a pass or contest the ensuing shot. Speaking of contesting shots, Robinson’s 7-foot-4 wingspan and quick leaping ability make him a genuine problem for opposing offenses.
Robinson also possesses impressive off-ball instincts for a big man, which become particularly valuable against some of the league’s more unique frontcourt players. He leans into his physicality when he sees a screen coming and somehow gets skinny enough to get through the screen and blow up the play. Maybe the most unique part of his defense is his hands.
Last season, Robinson averaged 4.1 defensive rebounds per game, a testament to his ability to consistently finish possessions on the glass. The Celtics are lucky to have him on their roster, and his defense deserves more attention. Last result: Boston Celtics 100-109 Philadelphia 76ers (2026-05-02). Recent form (last 5): 0W-0D-5L (LLLLL, most recent first); lost the last 5.
