Mitchell Robinson had an excellent second season, averaging 9.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game off the bench as he shot a ridiculous 74% off the field. This led Wilt Chamberlain to reach the absolute highest score in the NBA season.
The 21-year-old also improved his fouling habits by averaging fewer fouls per game than his year as a beginner despite playing 2.5 minutes more per game.
Tom Thibodeau could be to unlock Mitchell Robinson’s potential to be one of the best centers in the league, and has already shown results in doing so in the past. The most comparable example is Joakim Noah.
In the three seasons prior to Tori Thibodeau’s hiring, Noah averaged 7.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.3 blocks per game. His career completely changed after Thibs was hired as he racked up three appearances in All-Defense while winning the Defensive Player of the Year in 2014.
Noah was one of the protagonists of multiple playoff teams and Thibodeau put the 24-year-old center in the position of succeeding in the championship every year. Despite not being a talented shooter or ball manager, Noah even led the Bulls in assists with 5.4 per game during the 2013-14 season.
Mitchell Robinson is still an extremely raw athlete with the potential to be one of the best defensive players in the league. Tom Thibodeau is more than qualified to bring him there, and it wouldn’t be far-fetched to see Robinson vying for the Most-Improved Player award next season.