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Mitchell Robinson — 7′ 0″ Center, Chalmette High School, 20 Years Old
Mitchell Robinson is a compelling prospect out of Chalmette High School in Louisiana. Robinson made the decision to forgo his eligibility at Western Kentucky University and take a year to prepare for the NBA. In his senior year in high school, Robinson averaged 25.7 PPG, 12.6 RPG, 6.0 BPG. A physical big man with the ability to run the floor will definitely find himself a home in the NBA.
Strengths
Robinson is an impressive athletic center, who can play above the rim and run the floor with great speed for a big man. With a wingspan of 7’4” and a standing reach of 9’3”, Robinson is a big target who can cause problems for the opposition. Robinson rim runs with the best of them and has an alarming speed for a center. Super explosive when finishing lobs and rebounding the ball in traffic. Has a knack for always catching the ball at a high point so he doesn’t get stripped. Although he probably won’t be called upon to shoot right away he does have a nice arch on his shot. He has impressed with his shooting ability at his workouts and could definitely be a perk for him going forward.
Easily regarded as one of the best rim protectors in the draft. Led the Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) in blocks at 5.6 per 36 minutes. Excellent timing when it comes to blocking and contesting shots and drives to the basket. A versatile defender Robinson pays the pick and roll with a high IQ and has the ability to switch on to smaller guards and do a decent job.
Weaknesses
Robinson while powerful sports a thinner build that could cause him some problems when trying to establish a position in the post. Sometimes relies too much on his physical gifts instead of boxing out boxing out. An aggressive shot blocker, Robinson might suffer being in foul trouble a lot as he adjusts to the NBA. Needs to hone his defensive decisions (when to step out, when to sag back, maintain appropriate space) in order to really succeed at the next level. Not a polished offensive player, will stick to finishing around the hoop. Although working out, not going to college Robinson relied heavily on his size and athletic ability against smaller opponents. Not a great passer out of the post and will need to learn how to free himself and the ball handler on an NBA level. Lots of mystery on why he did not go to college and get that experience.
NBA Player Comparison
Robinson should look to craft his game for now after Clint Capela. Like Robinson, Capela has a thinner frame but is one of the best rim-runners in the game. Both have shown the ability to block shots at a high rate while also switching out on wings and holding their own. Capela and Robinson also are pogo sticks around the basket. They both finish most lobs thrown in their vicinity at a high rate. While maybe not possessing the IQ of Capela yet both guys can set up other shooters and players on their team with off-ball screening. Both guys won’t wow you with their offensive skillset, but are workhorses around the basket and can help any team defensively.
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