Hawks' lack of Mitchell Robinson interest no surprise after revealing postseason

It's no secret that the Atlanta Hawks will be looking to bolster their frontcourt this offseason, but it likely won't be in the form of New York Knicks' leftovers. Mitchell Robinson should draw plenty of suitors in free agency this summer, although there's little chance Atlanta will be among them.

According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Bulls, Hornets, Lakers and Raptors could all show a level of interest in New York's backup center this offseason. The Hawks, who are likely to be linked to nearly every available center in the coming months, weren't listed, and it should come as no surprise to people who follow the organization the closest.

There are many reasons why he wouldn't fit into the Hawks' core

Atlanta needs a paint enforcer, but not one with an offensive package as limited as Robinson. That's almost difficult to proclaim, given how brutally they were dominated down low in the postseason, but it's true.

Much of their ability to thrive offensively stems from the versatility possessed by Onyeka Okongwu. Despite the obvious limitations he carries, specifically regarding his size, he's earned his starting role by giving Atlanta incredible adaptability on both ends.

Simply put, Robinson would command too many nightly minutes for them to stay true to what's helped them ascend up the Eastern Conference standings. Atlanta needs a proven interior defender, but at the cost of disrupting rhythm? It wouldn't be worth it.

There's also the non-basketball reason, which only the Hawks can relate to. It won't limit interest from any team other than Atlanta, but it's something small that they simply cannot ignore. And they won't.

Mitchell Robinson and the Hawks don't like each other. If it wasn't evident over the course of their first-round series, it was made obvious in the final game, when a brawl broke out after he and Dyson Daniels went at it.

The risk of bringing in Robinson outweighs the potential reward

Not to mention, despite his team's run to the 2026 NBA Finals, he's shot the worst free-throw percentage in league history in the process. Atlanta was already plagued by underwhelming shooting from the charity stripe in the biggest moments of the season, and adding Robinson would only worsen it.

His offensive-rebounding and shot-blocking is elite. There's no doubt about it. But, Atlanta needs to consider all the downsides that would also come with bringing him in, whether on a short-term or long-term deal.

Another team will benefit from his services, but it likely won't, and shouldn't be, the Atlanta Hawks.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow