Mitchell Robinson: Free Throw Struggles & Postseason Plan

0:00This is Corey with NBA News Today, powered by the Daily News Now. Subscribe for daily updates on your team. New York Nick Center Mitchell Robinson is owning up to his rough free throw shooting this season. He's hitting just 39.3% from the line. His worst mark yet. For the first time, he explained it's because his practice reps stick mostly to paint work like layups and rebounds, leaving little time for free. Throws? Back in his rookie year, things look different. Robinson shot 60% from the stripe when he got more outside shots and workouts. But as his role narrowed to interior dominance, those reps faded and his free throw percentage drop each season after that. Despite the free throw struggles, Robinson remains a key bench contributor. In under 20 minutes per game, he's grabbing 8.7 rebounds, including elite offensive boards that give the Nick's extra possessions. He's also averaging 5 points and 1.1 blocks. All while the team carefully manages his minutes to protect his ankle, he's already played.

1:03More games than in the last two injury plague seasons. Robinson says building muscle memory and confidence at the line is crucial, even if he rarely shoots outside the paint in games. The fix seems straightforward. Tweet his practice routine to include more free throws before the playoffs heat up. Coming into the postseason, opponents might test him with fouls, just like Boston did last spring. The Nick's will have to weigh his rebounding impact against those misses in close matchups. But with time to adjust, his honesty could spark real improvement. A quick thank you to our sponsor of today's episode. Podcasts hit different when the sound comes from your pillow. Once you try it, it just makes sense. S-O-L-L-I-SoliPillo.com. c--