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Redrafting the 2018 NBA Draft: Elite playmakers and modern bigs

By Christopher Kline

DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 29: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks protects the ball from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first half of the game at American Airlines Center on October 29, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 29: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks protects the ball from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first half of the game at American Airlines Center on October 29, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

. C. Denver Nuggets. Mitchell Robinson. 14. player. 73

We are approaching an inflection point in Mitchell Robinson’s career. For reasons both in and out of his control, the 24-year-old has never been able to carry a proper starter’s workload. The talent is there. The flashes are abundant, with no shortage of highlight reel dunks and mind-bending defensive efforts peppering his résumé. But, on the flip side, he’s often hurt, or in foul trouble, or simply playing worse than the less notable centers on the roster (this season, he has been frequently outplayed by Isaiah Hartenstein).

Robinson is one of the most explosive and efficient rim runners in basketball. His pterodactyl wingspan and Space Jam hops make him a prime lob target for the likes of Jalen Brunson and R.J. Barrett. In fact, now that New York has a real point guard, Robinson should be better positioned than ever to succeed. Alas, his numbers are somehow slipping. It’s far too early (in the season and in his career) for any real panic, but it’s also 2022. How much value is there in a center who doesn’t shoot or pass; a center who’s really good at rim-running and rim protection, but who isn’t disciplined enough to stay on the floor in critical moments. Robinson has All-Defensive team upside, but he’s simply not there yet.

All that said, the NBA Draft is ultimately about upside. The list of superior NBA athletes is exceedingly slim. Robinson defies physics on both sides of the ball. He occupies immense swathes of space in the paint, deterring drivers and forcing offenses to recalibrate every halfcourt possession. On the offensive end, he shot 76.1 percent from the field last season. Practically every shot is at the rim, but once you feed Robinson the ball in a favorable position, the result is all but guaranteed.

The best NBA defenses are often anchored by elite rim protectors. Robinson has the potential to perennially lead the league in blocked shots. If he can reach the point where he’s playing 30-35 minutes a night, instead of 20-25, he might start to earn some hardware.

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