Luka Doncic could be getting one heck of a Christmas gift this offseason.
Steve Popper of Newsday reported this week that Doncic’s Dallas Mavericks could be a suitor for New York Knicks big man Mitchell Robinson, who will be an unrestricted free agent. Popper does note though that the Mavs would have to make the cap space work and that Robinson could also be pursued by the likes of the Detroit Pistons and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Robinson, 23, is a true seven-footer who is among the league leaders in dunks this season with 151 of them. He is also an impact shot-blocker, averaging 2.0 dismissals per game for his career.
Most of the Mavs’ center minutes this year have gone to Maxi Kleber, who plays further from the rim, and Dwight Powell, who has a capped upside at 6-foot-10 and almost 31 years old. But an elite rim runner such as Robinson could be a cheat code for a Doncic-led offense, especially with three shooters flanking them. The Mavs would have the option of running more traditional pick-and-roll with Doncic and Robinson. If he is able to beat his defender in isolation situations, Doncic might also have some easy lobs over the top to Robinson. Meanwhile, if teams opt to blitz Doncic on screens, as they often do, one of Dallas’ wings could flash to the high post, receive the pass, make the read, and either hit Robinson for a dunk or a shooter in the corner for 3.
Granted, there have been some indications in the past that Robinson desires a bigger offensive role. He would have a better chance of getting that much in either Detroit or Oklahoma City. But if Robinson wants to compete for a title and be a part of a mouth-watering offensive scheme while doing so, Dallas might be his best bet this summer.
Photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
