Boston Celtics Media Day
Boston Celtics Media Day
This week marked the start of a new season for the New York Knicks, and their first game in years without the veteran NBA center Mitchell Robinson on the roster.
Prior to the Knicks’ banner night at Madison Square Garden, Robinson helped open up the 2026-2027 NBA season by debuting with the Boston Celtics against the Detroit Pistons.
The big man’s debut was highly anticipated. From a personal standpoint, Robinson came up short, along with his team.
Ex-Knicks Center Mitchell Robinson Gets Extremely Critical Of Celtics Debut
Boston Celtics v Detroit Pistons
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 20: Mitchell Robinson #4 of the Boston Celtics dunks next to Daniss Jenkins #24 of the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Little Caesars Arena on October 20, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Not only did Robinson get hurt early on, but there was a trickle-down effect after getting shaken up.
The veteran center ended up struggling through his first set of action with the Celtics. While he admitted he was “OK” after the game, Robinson was brutally honest regarding his own performance.
“I got my ass kicked on the glass. I can’t have no starts like that. It’s cool to get out there and put on that Boston jersey for the first time in a regular-season game, but overall, I still didn’t do what I needed to do,” Robinson told reporters, according to Gary Washburn.
“I gotta compete better. I feel like I didn’t compete at the high level I normally do, and I was kind of slow on a lot of things.”
The New Celtic’s Debut
Charlotte Hornets v Boston Celtics
Getty
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 14: Mitchell Robinson #4 of the Boston Celtics passes the ball against Naz Reid #0 of the Charlotte Hornets during the second half of the preseason game at the TD Garden on October 14, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
Robinson checked in for 18 minutes against the Pistons on the road.
The veteran center made both of his shots from the field, but missed both of his free throws. Offensively, he contributed to four points and one assist.
The Celtics didn’t invest nearly $50 million into Robinson for his offensive production, though. They needed his interior presence, specifically on the glass. Robinson was quiet there. He posted just three rebounds.
After getting that first game out of his system, Robinson can look forward to his home debut in Boston, where he’ll help his new team host his old team. The Celtics and the Knicks will go head-to-head on October 23.
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Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA/NFL reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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