Mitchell Robinson acknowledged a sense that the New York Knicks did not want him back after they declined to offer him a new contract, but said the parting was without ill feelings as he prepared to face his former team in Boston’s home opener on Friday.
“That’s what it felt like,” Robinson said when asked about the Knicks’ decision not to re-sign him. When pressed on whether that feeling came from the absence of an offer, Robinson replied, “Yeah. I was like, cool. There wasn’t bad blood behind it.” He added that the move represented a “fresh start” for him.
Robinson’s comments came shortly before tip-off against the Knicks, his former club. The center’s departure from New York had raised questions about the nature of his exit, but his remarks suggested a mutual understanding rather than acrimony.
The Knicks had not extended a contract offer to Robinson, leading to his signing with the Boston Celtics. Robinson’s willingness to accept the situation without resentment speaks to his focus on the new chapter in his career.
The Celtics acquired Robinson ahead of the 2026–27 NBA season, aiming to strengthen their frontcourt. His presence is expected to add defensive intensity and rim protection, areas where Boston has looked to improve.
Robinson’s relationship with the Knicks had been marked by moments of on-court promise mixed with off-court uncertainty. His comments indicate that both sides moved on without lingering hostility.
Facing the Knicks in Boston’s home opener placed Robinson in the spotlight, highlighting the unusual circumstances of his transition. The atmosphere around the game underscored the personal and professional layers involved in NBA player movement.
As the Celtics integrate Robinson into their system, his attitude toward the Knicks’ decision offers insight into the mindset of a player adjusting to change. He embraced the opportunity for a fresh start without dwelling on the past.
Robinson’s experience reflects broader realities in the NBA, where roster decisions often involve hard choices that affect players’ futures. His openness about the situation adds a rare candid voice to discussions about player-team dynamics.
The Celtics will look to Robinson to contribute in the paint while adjusting to a new environment. His comments suggest he is ready to move forward, focusing on the present challenges rather than what came before.
No further details have emerged about the Knicks’ internal discussions or the terms of Robinson’s new contract with Boston. The center’s next performances will reveal how this fresh start unfolds on the court.
According to Yahoo Sports.
