Overview
- Boston signed Mitchell Robinson to a three‑year, roughly $47.4 million deal in the summer and installed him as the starting center to add rim protection and offensive rebounding.
- Robinson has posted career lows in rebounds and blocks while his offensive‑rebound rate has fallen sharply, and he publicly said he needs to "figure it out soon."
- Coach Joe Mazzulla says using Robinson farther from the rim to set screens and initiate offense helps the team scheme but has reduced Robinson’s chances to grab offensive boards.
- Advanced early‑season on‑off numbers show a large negative swing with Robinson on the floor versus off, and after Monday’s game Neemias Queta was returned to the starting lineup with Robinson coming off the bench.
- If Robinson does not regain his previous defensive and rebounding impact the Celtics could alter his minutes or pursue roster moves, a sensitive choice given his championship pedigree and the team’s frontcourt plan.