Celtics center Mitchell Robinson criticizes his own poor Boston debut
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The gist
Celtics center Mitchell Robinson called his 4-point debut in a 121-113 loss to Detroit his own fault.
He faces his former team, the Knicks, next as Boston's new starting center.
Background
Mitchell Robinson is a 28-year-old center who left the New York Knicks for the Boston Celtics in free agency on a 3-year, $47 million contract; the Knicks, described as cost-conscious amid Karl-Anthony Towns negotiations, couldn't afford to keep him. He took the starting job from Neemias Queta, who started in 2025-26, and said he is enjoying a more involved offensive role in Boston. After a quiet debut in which he tweaked an ankle but returned, he publicly criticized his own play while coach Joe Mazzulla said the standard for him is higher.
How it unfolded
- Sep 28, 2026Robinson answers questions at Celtics Media Day at the Auerbach Center in Boston.
- Oct 14, 2026He plays for Boston in a preseason exhibition against the Charlotte Hornets at TD Garden.
- Oct 20, 2026In his Celtics debut he posts 4 points, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 turnovers in 18 minutes in a 121-113 loss to the Detroit Pistons; he tweaks an ankle in the second quarter but returns.
- Oct 21, 2026He gets the starting nod for the season opener, supplanting Neemias Queta, while Luka Garza logs eight minutes off the bench.
- Oct 22, 2026At practice in Boston, Robinson criticizes his own debut; Mazzulla calls him a very important piece and says the standard is higher.
- Oct 23, 2026The defending champion Knicks are scheduled to visit TD Garden at 7 p.m. Friday, Robinson's first game against New York since signing with Boston.
Who’s saying what
- Player
- Robinson said the poor debut was "my fault," that he is one of the best defensive bigs in the league and didn't show it, and that he "played like ass."
- Official
- Coach Joe Mazzulla said it is game one, that Robinson is a very important piece and the standard and expectation are higher, and that it comes with time.
- Player
- Robinson said Mazzulla has been hard on him since he arrived in Boston and that he needs that.
Still unverified
It is not clear whether Robinson actually needed more attention for his ankle injury or whether Boston simply wanted to let Luka Garza make his season debut.