When basketball fans talk about the most impactful defensive centers in the NBA today, Mitchell Robinson of the New York Knicks deserves special mention. Though he might not grab headlines like some of his more offensively-minded colleagues, Robinson has carved out a valuable niche as one of the league’s premier shot-blockers and offensive rebounders. His journey from a second-round draft pick to becoming a key piece of the Knicks’ roster showcases his determination and specialized skill set that many teams covet.
Robinson’s career has been marked by eye-popping efficiency (he once set an NBA record with a .742 field goal percentage) and impressive defensive statistics, but also by frustrating injury setbacks that have prevented him from reaching his full potential. As he continues his career with the Knicks in 2025, let’s take a comprehensive look at his background, career achievements, financial standing, and personal life.
Mitchell Robinson’s Biography
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mitchell Robinson |
| Date of Birth | April 1, 1998 |
| Age | 27 years |
| Education | Chalmette High School (Louisiana) |
| Nationality | American (USA) |
| Height | 7’0″ (2.13m) |
| Weight | 240 lb (109 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2018 |
| Net Worth | Approximately $11.4K (from YouTube earnings), with NBA earnings over $53 million |
| Salary | $14,318,182 (2024-25 season) |
| Partner | Lindsey Luquet |
| Instagram Profile | mrobinson23_ |
Early Career
Mitchell Robinson’s basketball journey began in Pensacola, Florida, where he was born on April 1, 1998. His path to the NBA wasn’t conventional by any means, featuring several school transfers and an unusual decision to skip college basketball entirely. Robinson’s basketball career took a significant turn when he experienced a tremendous growth spurt in the 8th grade, shooting up from 6’2″ to 7’0″. This physical transformation changed his trajectory forever, turning him into a highly sought-after prospect.
His high school journey was somewhat nomadic. Robinson initially spent two years developing his game at Pine Forest High School in Pensacola. He then briefly transferred to Landry-Walker College and Career Preparatory High School in New Orleans before finding his basketball home at Chalmette High School in Louisiana. At Chalmette, Robinson’s impact was immediate and profound. As a junior, he led the school to their first state playoff win in 19 years, announcing himself as a major talent in the making.
During his senior year at Chalmette, Robinson truly blossomed into an elite prospect. He posted remarkable statistics, averaging 25.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and an impressive 6 blocked shots per game.
These dominant performances earned him significant recognition in the high school basketball world. His remarkable talents were acknowledged when he was selected as a McDonald’s All-American in 2017, placing him among the most elite high school players in the country.
Between his junior and senior years, Robinson joined the Dallas-based Nike Pro Skills team on the AAU circuit, giving him exposure to higher-level competition and helping him refine his skills against other top prospects. His performances in AAU play further elevated his status as a recruit.
College recruiters took notice of the talented big man, and Robinson initially committed to Western Kentucky University. This decision surprised many basketball observers, as players of his caliber typically choose higher-profile basketball programs. However, Robinson’s collegiate career took an unexpected turn before it even began. After being selected to attend Western Kentucky, Robinson made the unusual decision to withdraw from the university before fulfilling his commitment.
Instead of the traditional path through college basketball, Robinson announced he would prepare for the NBA Draft independently. This was a risky move that few players attempt, as it meant he would miss a year of organized basketball, potentially hurting his draft stock. During this year away from organized competition, Robinson focused on individual training and development, working to refine his skills and maintain his physical conditioning without the structure of a college program.
The choice to skip college basketball altogether was a gamble that ultimately affected his draft position. Despite being ranked ninth overall by Rivals.com in the high school class of 2017 (ahead of future lottery pick Kevin Knox and just behind Collin Sexton and Wendell Carter), Robinson’s year away from competitive basketball created uncertainty about his readiness for the professional level. Many NBA teams were hesitant to use a first-round pick on a player who hadn’t competed against high-level opposition for a full year.
Nevertheless, Robinson’s natural talents—his extraordinary height, athleticism, shot-blocking ability, and potential—kept him firmly on the NBA radar. His unorthodox path to the draft made him one of the more intriguing prospects available, a high-risk, high-reward selection for whichever team was willing to take a chance on his raw but undeniable talents.
Professional Career
Mitchell Robinson’s professional journey began when the New York Knicks selected him with the 36th overall pick in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft. Despite concerns about his readiness after a year away from competitive basketball, Knicks General Manager Scott Perry saw tremendous potential in the athletic 7-footer and was happy to select him at that position in the draft.
Initially, many expected Robinson would split time between the NBA G League and the Knicks as he adjusted to professional basketball. However, Robinson quickly proved he belonged in the NBA right away. His rookie season with the Knicks (2018-19) was an impressive introduction to the league.
Appearing in 66 games and starting 19 of them, Robinson averaged 7.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game while shooting an extremely efficient 69.4% from the field. His shot-blocking ability was immediately apparent, as he set a Knicks franchise record with nine blocks in a single game against the Orlando Magic on November 11, 2018. These performances earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, validating the Knicks’ decision to select him.
Robinson’s sophomore season (2019-20) saw him take his efficiency to historic levels. He shot an NBA record 74.2% from the field while averaging 9.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game.
This remarkable field goal percentage demonstrated his understanding of his role in the offense, primarily taking high-percentage shots near the rim and converting them at an unprecedented rate. His ability to serve as a lob threat and finish alley-oops became a valuable weapon for the Knicks offense.
The 2020-21 season saw Robinson move into a more prominent role as he started 29 of his 31 games. However, this season also marked the beginning of his struggles with injuries, as foot and hand issues limited him to just 31 appearances. When healthy, he continued to be productive, averaging 8.3 points and 8.1 rebounds per game while maintaining excellent shooting efficiency (65.3%).
Robinson’s fourth season (2021-22) was his most complete, as he started 62 of 72 games and set a Knicks franchise record with a 76.1% field goal percentage. He averaged 8.5 points and 8.6 rebounds while continuing to be a force on the defensive end with 1.8 blocks per game. His dominance on the offensive glass was particularly noteworthy, as he pulled down 295 offensive rebounds, ranking second in the entire NBA in that category.
The 2022-23 campaign saw Robinson build on his rebounding prowess. He started 58 of his 59 games, averaging 7.4 points and a career-high 9.4 rebounds, including another elite season on the offensive glass with 267 offensive rebounds (again ranking second in the NBA). His defensive presence remained valuable, as he blocked 1.8 shots per game, placing him sixth in the league in that category.
Robinson’s 2023-24 season was unfortunately derailed by a serious ankle injury. He appeared in just 31 games (starting 21) before an ankle issue that would eventually require surgery sidelined him for most of the season. In the games he did play, he averaged 5.6 points and 8.5 rebounds while shooting 57.5% from the field. His absence was a significant blow to the Knicks’ frontcourt rotation.
The ankle surgery Robinson underwent in May 2024 caused him to miss the start of the 2024-25 season. He was sidelined for the first 58 games before finally making his return in late February 2025.
The timing of his return was crucial for the Knicks, who were looking to strengthen their roster for a playoff push without making major trade deadline moves. When he returned to action in early March 2025, he joined a Knicks team that had been relying heavily on their starters, particularly with Karl-Anthony Towns handling center duties.
Robinson’s return has created interesting lineup possibilities for the Knicks, as coach Tom Thibodeau can now pair Robinson with Towns, allowing the latter to shift to power forward (a position he played effectively with Rudy Gobert in Minnesota). Since his return in March 2025, Robinson has been gradually working his way back into game shape, averaging around 16 minutes per game while contributing primarily through rebounding and defensive presence.
Throughout his career, Robinson has established himself as one of the NBA’s premier defensive specialists and rebounding forces, particularly on the offensive glass. His career averages of 8.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game on 70.1% shooting illustrate his specific but highly valuable skill set. While he doesn’t stretch the floor or create his own offense, his elite finishing ability, shot-blocking presence, and rebounding prowess make him an important piece of the Knicks’ rotation when healthy.
The biggest obstacle in Robinson’s career has been availability. His injury history includes multiple ankle issues, as well as hand, foot, back, and knee problems that have prevented him from playing a full NBA season. When on the court, Robinson has proven to be one of the most efficient players in NBA history and a defensive anchor who alters countless shots at the rim beyond just his blocked shots.
Wife
Mitchell Robinson shares his life with his partner, Lindsey Luquet. While Robinson maintains a high profile as an NBA player, Luquet prefers to keep a lower profile, often supporting Robinson from the sidelines while staying out of the spotlight herself. Their relationship is characterized by a strong, private bond that has weathered the ups and downs of Robinson’s professional career.
Though details about how the couple met remain private, their relationship has become a cornerstone of Robinson’s personal life. Luquet is frequently seen at Knicks games, showing unwavering support for Robinson during his performances. She celebrates her birthday in March and is a Pisces by zodiac sign.
The couple’s relationship reached a new milestone when they became parents in July 2023. They announced the exciting news on April 9, 2023, when Luquet shared on Instagram a baby onesie with the message, “Something sweet is coming this July.” As they prepared for parenthood, Luquet held a beautiful baby shower on June 28, 2023, surrounded by Robinson, friends, and family.
In her social media post about the event, she expressed gratitude for the support they received: “Take our girl home! Thank you to all of our friends and family who came from near and far to celebrate with us! We’re so thankful baby girl has so many who love her already! Can’t wait to meet you, my princess.”
Their daughter, Riley, was born in July 2023, bringing tremendous joy to the couple. Robinson shared his excitement on Instagram with photos of their newborn, simply captioning them, “My Riley Girl!” The arrival of their daughter has had a profound impact on Robinson, providing motivation during challenging times in his career, particularly through injuries and the pressures of professional basketball.
Robinson’s love for his daughter was evident in a heartfelt social media post where he wrote: “From: dad, To: daughter. Riley, baby, you truly are a blessing sent to me from God. I’ll always be grateful for having you in my life. You help me in so many ways you probably would never know. You help me become a better person, a better man, and you challenged me to be a better father.” He continued by expressing how seeing Riley’s smile gives him strength through difficult times.
The family celebrated Riley’s first birthday on July 21, 2024, with a cream-themed party. Robinson reflected on the milestone, saying, “Happy 1st birthday, Riley I can’t believe you’re one year old already. You’ve grown too fast, my girl. Watching you grow this year has been amazing to me. Waking up to your smiles and laughter make me feel like I’m doing the right things for you. I may not be the best dad but I’m definitely a trying dad! I love you so much Riley.”
The presence of Lindsey and Riley has created a strong support system for Robinson away from basketball, providing stability and motivation as he navigates the challenges of his NBA career.
Mitchell Robinson’s Net Worth Details
Mitchell Robinson’s net worth is estimated to be $53 million as of 2025.
Contract
Mitchell Robinson is currently in the third year of a four-year, $60 million contract that he signed with the New York Knicks on July 12, 2022. This deal represented a significant step up from his rookie contract and reflected the value the Knicks placed on his defensive abilities and potential.
The contract is fully guaranteed at $60 million, giving Robinson financial security through the 2025-26 season. This deal was signed using Bird Rights, which allowed the Knicks to exceed the salary cap to retain him.
The contract is structured with a descending annual salary, starting at $17,045,454 in 2022-23 and decreasing each season until it reaches $12,954,546 in the final year (2025-26). After this contract expires, Robinson will become an unrestricted free agent in 2026.
Salary
For the 2024-25 season, Mitchell Robinson is earning a base salary of $14,318,182, which represents approximately 10.18% of the NBA salary cap. This makes him the 114th highest-paid player in the NBA for the 2024-25 season and the 15th highest-paid center. Within the Knicks organization, he ranks as the 6th highest-paid player for the current season.
Robinson’s salary structure shows a systematic decrease over the course of his four-year contract, with his earnings dropping by roughly $1.3-1.4 million each season. This descending structure was likely designed to provide the Knicks with increased financial flexibility in the later years of the deal as the salary cap continues to rise.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | New York Knicks | $1,485,440 |
| 2019-20 | New York Knicks | $1,559,712 |
| 2020-21 | New York Knicks | $1,663,861 |
| 2021-22 | New York Knicks | $1,802,057 |
| 2022-23 | New York Knicks | $17,045,454 |
| 2023-24 | New York Knicks | $15,681,818 |
| 2024-25 | New York Knicks | $14,318,182 |
| 2025-26 | New York Knicks | $12,954,546 |
| Total Career Earnings | $66,515,085 |
Endorsements
His most significant endorsement came in early 2019 when Nike added him to their elite group of NBA clients. This partnership with Nike came during his rookie season after he had already begun to make a name for himself with his shot-blocking ability and efficient play around the rim. The exact financial details of his Nike deal have not been made public, but it represented an important recognition of his potential marketability despite being a second-round pick.
Beyond his Nike deal, Robinson maintains a YouTube channel that generates modest additional income. According to available data, his YouTube earnings are estimated at around $33 per month as of March 2025, with a total estimated earnings of approximately $11,400 from his channel. While this represents a very small portion of his overall income compared to his NBA salary, it demonstrates his efforts to build a personal brand beyond basketball.
NBA Career Stats
| Season | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | New York | 66 | 19 | 20.6 | .694 | — | .600 | 6.4 | .6 | .8 | 2.4 | 7.3 |
| 2019-20 | New York | 61 | 7 | 23.2 | .742 | — | .568 | 7.0 | .6 | .9 | 2.0 | 9.7 |
| 2020-21 | New York | 31 | 29 | 27.5 | .653 | — | .491 | 8.1 | .5 | 1.1 | 1.5 | 8.3 |
| 2021-22 | New York | 72 | 62 | 25.7 | .761 | — | .486 | 8.6 | .5 | .8 | 1.8 | 8.5 |
| 2022-23 | New York | 59 | 58 | 26.9 | .671 | — | .484 | 9.4 | .9 | .9 | 1.8 | 7.4 |
| 2023-24 | New York | 31 | 21 | 24.8 | .575 | — | .409 | 8.5 | .6 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 5.6 |
| 2024-25 | New York | 13 | 1 | 16.0 | .684 | — | .636 | 5.5 | 0.7 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 4.5 |
| Career | 333 | 197 | 24.1 | .701 | — | .520 | 7.8 | 0.6 | 0.9 | 1.8 | 7.8 |
FAQs
1. Who is Mitchell Robinson?
Mitchell Robinson is an American professional basketball player for the New York Knicks. Born April 1, 1998, in New Orleans, Louisiana, he’s 27 years old, stands 7 feet tall, weighs 240 pounds, and plays center position.
2. What is Mitchell Robinson’s current contract with the New York Knicks?
Mitchell Robinson signed a 4-year, $60 million fully guaranteed contract with the Knicks in 2022. His 2024-25 salary is $14,318,182. He’ll become an unrestricted free agent in 2026.
3. What position does Mitchell Robinson play and what are his strengths?
Robinson plays center for the Knicks. His strengths include shot-blocking, offensive rebounding, and high-percentage scoring. His career field goal percentage is 70.1%, including an NBA record 74.2% in 2019-20.
4. Where did Mitchell Robinson attend high school?
Robinson primarily played at Chalmette High School in Louisiana. He previously attended Pine Forest High School in Florida and briefly transferred to Landry-Walker in New Orleans before settling at Chalmette.
5. When was Mitchell Robinson drafted into the NBA?
Mitchell Robinson was selected by the New York Knicks in the second round (36th overall pick) of the 2018 NBA Draft. He has spent his entire professional career with the Knicks.
6. What injury has affected Mitchell Robinson’s recent NBA seasons?
Robinson suffered a foot injury during the 2024 playoffs requiring surgery that sidelined him for nearly a year. He returned in March 2025 but played limited minutes while rebuilding his conditioning.
7. What personal story demonstrates Mitchell Robinson’s character off the court?
After his high school coach’s wife passed away from cancer, Robinson invited him to live in New York. He did this privately without posting on social media, demonstrating genuine compassion rather than seeking public recognition.
8. What are Mitchell Robinson’s career statistics in the NBA?
Through seven NBA seasons, Robinson has averaged approximately 8.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game with a 70.1% field goal percentage. He’s known more for defense than scoring.
9. How does Mitchell Robinson impact the New York Knicks’ defense?
Robinson transforms the Knicks’ defense with elite rim protection and shot-blocking. His return in 2025 addressed defensive weaknesses, particularly helping cover for teammates Brunson and Towns against elite offensive players.
10. What is Mitchell Robinson known for personality-wise?
Robinson is known for his humor and playful personality. Teammates describe him as “always Mitch,” highlighting his joke-telling and social media trolling, while also recognizing his humility and compassion off-court.











