Mitchell Robinson's Struggles at the Free-Throw Line

This NBA season, New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson is facing significant challenges at the free-throw line. Currently shooting a mere 39.3 percent from the charity stripe, Robinson is a player certainly in need of improvement. Over the last seven attempts he's taken, he has made just one free throw, highlighting a troubling trend that could affect his team’s performance this season.

Rick Barry's Offer and Underhanded Method

Amid his free-throw shooting struggles, Robinson was approached by Basketball Hall of Famer Rick Barry. Known for his exceptional free-throw shooting, Barry publicly offered to teach Robinson his unique underhanded shooting technique last May. Barry's underhanded method, which allowed him to maintain a remarkable 90 percent from the line during his career, may have seemed like a viable option for Robinson. However, in a recent interview with Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, Robinson dismissed the idea, stating, "Nah... I feel like that's silly as hell." This rejection of Barry’s offer has raised eyebrows, especially considering Robinson's current performance.

Robinson's Focus on Conventinal Shooting

Despite Robinson's struggles from the line, he has avoided experimenting with the underhanded technique. His stance suggests a commitment to his conventional shooting style, which might not yield quick fixes but emphasizes his personal belief in his shooting capabilities. Robinson commented, "I just do a lot of lay-ups, hook shots, stuff like that. If you don't get shots, you don't know how it is. You're not comfortable with it." This statement indicates that he feels his shooting woes stem from a lack of practice on his outside shooting, not just free throws.

The Importance of Practice

Robinson believes that confidence in shooting comes from consistent practice. His admission that he is not getting as many outside shots in practice sessions raises questions about his training approach. He pointed to his rookie year, stating, "Like I said before, when I was getting up shots, rookie year, I was 60 percent. So if I get shots up, everything will be alright. Until then, it is what it is." This notion highlights the importance of shooting drills and practice in developing a player's overall game, especially for a center like Robinson who is expected to contribute in various ways.

Adequate Contributions Beyond Free Throws

While his free-throw struggles are noteworthy, it’s critical to acknowledge that Robinson contributes significantly to the Knicks in areas beyond shooting. Known for his rebounding skills, particularly on the offensive glass, and solid defense, Robinson remains a vital asset for his team. In Sunday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs, he went 0-for-3 from the line, yet the Knicks reported a plus-10 rating during his 15 minutes on the court. With four points, five rebounds, a steal, and a block, Robinson made a considerable impact despite his free-throw woes.

Knicks' Quest for Success

The Knicks are currently vying for success, positioned third in the Eastern Conference as they aim for their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999. Robinson’s contributions, alongside the team's overall energy and strategy, are essential as they look to extend their winning streak to three games against the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday. The synergy on the court and how each player adapts to challenges will be instrumental for the Knicks’ momentum going forward.

Conclusion

Mitchell Robinson’s free-throw shooting challenges are hard to overlook, but they don't define his value to the New York Knicks. At just 27 years old, he has time to improve and solidify his shooting skills. While he dismisses the underhanded shooting method of Rick Barry, Robinson's journey illustrates the typical struggles many players face in refining their game. As the Knicks prepare for upcoming matchups, fans and analysts will keep a close eye on how Robinson continues to manage this aspect of his game while remaining an integral force on both ends of the court.