Fansided

NBA Rookie Rankings: Trae Young continues his charge on Luka Doncic

By Rucker Haringey

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 06: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after a basket against the San Antonio Spurs in the second half at State Farm Arena on March 06, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 06: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after a basket against the San Antonio Spurs in the second half at State Farm Arena on March 06, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 26: Henry Ellenson #13 of the New York Knicks and Mitchell Robinson #26 react during the second half of the game against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden on February 26, 2019 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeat the Orlando Magic 108-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 26: Henry Ellenson #13 of the New York Knicks and Mitchell Robinson #26 react during the second half of the game against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden on February 26, 2019 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeat the Orlando Magic 108-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

4. Mitchell Robinson

The Knicks are still the worst team in the Eastern Conference, but Robinson’s improved play has at least given fans something to focus on during the doldrums of this season. It will be interesting to see if he’s been good enough to keep them from using a high pick on a big man in the upcoming NBA Draft.

Our bet is that David Fizdale and company would prefer to select a guard or wing with what should be a really high lottery pick. At worst, Robinson now projects to be a guy who can block shots and rebound at a high level. It’d be a mild upset if he doesn’t find a way to perform as a solid starter for the next several seasons.

His numbers have dipped during the past week after DeAndre Jordan returned to the lineup. It’s unreasonable to expect him to put up the same sort of production if he’s not going to get the same number of minutes. On the other hand, it would be nice to see Robinson’s efficiency take a leap if he’s only going to play in short bursts.

The key for Robinson is still going to be consistency and mental preparation. He’s still learning what it means to play and prepare like a professional. The initial signs are good for the Knicks, but the city of New York has eaten players alive in the past. Robinson needs to stay focused to take advantage of his prodigious talent.

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