Here’s a shocking truth: Mitchell Robinson’s free-throw struggles are getting worse, and he’s pointing the finger at a surprising culprit—not his form, but his practice routine. But here’s where it gets controversial: Robinson dismisses the idea of shooting underhanded as ‘silly as hell,’ despite its proven success for others. Could this be the stubbornness that’s holding him back? Let’s dive in.
In a recent interview, Robinson revealed that his free-throw woes stem from a lack of outside shooting practice. Unlike his rookie season, where he shot a career-best 60% from the line, his current routine focuses heavily on lay-ups, hook shots, and other close-range moves. ‘If you don’t get shots up, you’re not comfortable,’ Robinson explained. ‘It’s like anything else—you need reps to build muscle memory and confidence.’
And this is the part most people miss: Robinson isn’t neglecting free-throw practice entirely. He’s altered his form, cutting down on dribbles before the shot, and he’s consistent with his foul-shot drills. Yet, the results haven’t improved. Why? Robinson believes it’s because his offensive role with the Knicks limits him to rebounding, screening, and putbacks—activities that don’t translate to free-throw success.
The 27-year-old hasn’t attempted a field goal outside the paint since the 2022-23 season, and his workouts reflect this style. In contrast, during the offseason, when he trains independently, he focuses on a more well-rounded shooting routine. ‘Even if I’m not shooting threes in games, just getting those shots up helps with rhythm and confidence,’ he said. This disparity between his in-season and offseason routines could be the key to his declining free-throw percentage, which currently sits at a career-low 39%.
Robinson’s struggles became a hot topic during last year’s playoffs when opponents like the Celtics and Pistons employed the ‘Hack-a-Mitch’ strategy, intentionally fouling him to exploit his weakness. This not only affects his performance but could also limit his playing time in high-stakes games. Here’s a thought-provoking question: If Robinson’s current approach isn’t working, should he reconsider unconventional methods like the underhand technique, or is sticking to his guns the right move?
Despite his free-throw challenges, Robinson remains a standout player this season. He leads the East in offensive rebounds per game, averaging just 19.4 minutes, and his energy off the bench has been pivotal in securing wins, such as his strong performance against the Spurs. Additionally, he’s stayed healthy for the first time in three years, thanks to a load management program that avoids back-to-back games. However, this strategy means he’ll likely sit out Wednesday’s game against the Thunder after playing in Toronto.
As the playoffs approach—where back-to-back games aren’t an issue—Robinson’s free-throw struggles could become a critical factor. Without a consistent shooting rhythm, he risks becoming a liability at the line. So, the question remains: Will Robinson adapt his practice routine to address this issue, or will he continue to rely on his current methods? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—is Robinson’s approach justified, or is it time for a change?
