One of the world’s best players sees at least one bright spot in the Knicks’ future.
After matching up with Knicks rookie Mitchell Robinson on Wednesday night, 76ers All-Star Joel Embiid praised the unpolished 20-year-old, who had 14 points, a career-high 13 rebounds, and four blocks during Philadelphia’s 126-111 win.
“Obviously he can move really well,” Embiid, who finished with 26 points and 14 rebounds, told MSG Network following the game. “He has a lot of potential. He needs to work on his body, but he’s got a chance to be a good big man in this league. … A couple times I thought I had a shot, but he just came up with his long-ass arms and blocked it.”
Robinson’s recent progress has made the Knicks’ selection of him with their second-round pick (36th overall) in last year’s draft look sound. Over his past five games, the 7-foot-1 center has averaged 12.6 points. 8.8 rebounds and 2.8 blocks, while shooting 74.3 percent from the field.
“For a young rook to go out there and take the challenge against [Embiid] and put up a real fight on both ends of the floor, I think that’s gonna be great for his confidence,” Knicks coach David Fizdale said. “Every game he just keeps getting a little bit better and a little bit better. I’m scared to see what he’s gonna be in three years.”
This post was originally posted at https://nypost.com/2019/02/14/joel-embiid-thinks-mitchell-robinson-has-what-it-takes/. WGEH does not own this content and is not responsible for it.
