Boston Celtics
Robinson didn’t start playing basketball until eighth grade.
Mitchell Robinson playing for the Knicks in Feb. 2026. AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki
July 2, 2026 | 8:14 AM
1 minute to read
This offseason, the Celtics needed to add a center, a position that became a glaring hole.
Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens wasted no time adding an interior presence, agreeing to a three-year, $47 million deal with Mitchell Robinson.
A monster in the middle, the 7-foot, 240-pound Robinson is a skilled rebounder. He grabbed 8.8 boards in just 19.6 minutes per game with the NBA-champion Knicks last season.
Here are four things to know about the newest Celtic.
He’s not a strong free throw shooter
And that’s probably putting it nicely. “Hack-a-Robinson” was employed to slow the Knicks down and throw their offense out of rhythm by sending a liability at the charity stripe there. Robinson shot 40.8 percent on his free throws last season, down from his career average of 50.8.
His career field goal percentage is 70.2 and he shot 72.3 percent last season, courtesy of his ability to finish lobs and offensive rebounds around the rim.
He didn’t start playing basketball until eighth grade
Robinson, who was born in Pensacola, Fla., picked up the game when he was in eighth grade. After two years playing at Pine Forest High, he transferred to Chalmette High in Louisiana.
He enjoyed a massive growth spurt, shooting up from 6 foot 2 inches to 7 feet during his time in high school.
He was a McDonald’s All-American in high school
In his senior season at Chalmette, Robinson posted absurd numbers: 25.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 6 blocks per game. He garnered a Naismith Trophy All-American honorable mention nod, in addition to a slew of other accolades.
The first player from Chalmette to be named a McDonald’s All-American, he committed to play collegiately at Western Kentucky.
He did not play college basketball
After committing to Western Kentucky, Robinson withdrew from the team. He decided to forgo his college career and prepare for the NBA Draft, but did not participate in the league’s combine.
Despite a roller-coaster journey, he was taken with the No. 36 pick in the 2018 draft by the Knicks. He made the NBA All-Rookie team for 2018-19.
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