Mitchell Robinson signed a new four-year, $60 million deal to the Knicks, making him the first New York rookie to be extended since… Charlie Ward in 1999.
The curse is finally broken! By extending Mitchell Robinson to the first day of the Free Agency, New York has finally allowed one of its rookies to be able to make a long-term commitment in Manhattan. Seeing a drafted player being extended by his franchise after his first contract is something quite common in many teams, but in the Big Apple it’s an obstacle course. The last rookie to have convinced the New York management to write him a check is called Charlie Ward, a small point guard who was doing not too badly in the 90s. We are talking about 23 years without extending the slightest contract of a young person drafted by the franchise. It’s simply huge and it corresponds to – drum roll – 32 rookies! (you can find the whole list here) There are obviously guys who have not made an impression but also some really good NBA players. Trevor Ariza, David Lee, Channing Frye, Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Tim Hardaway Jr., Kristaps Porzingis, beautiful people took their first steps at Madison Square Garden. Some of these boys could undoubtedly have been extended, but the leaders of New York have often used their nuggets to try to recover an even brighter one. Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, Steve Francis, only players acquired by sacrificing one or more talented prospects here and there. There was also the Porzingis case, brilliant but often injured and not necessarily on the same line as his management. Enough to allow the sad series to continue until July 1, 2022.
The ink is now dry on Mitchell Robinson’s contract and Charlie Ward will therefore gently come out of our memories. Mitch’s extension could even be the start of a great series in the Big Apple because several young people seem to have made their mark at the Garden. We are of course thinking of RJ Barrett, who should normally sign a nice extension in the off-season. Immanuel Quickley and Obi Toppin are also two candidates to watch for the future depending on their respective progress, they will be eligible for a new contract at the end of the next season. From “we extend no rookie” to “we extend them all”, that’s a nice 180° but the recent successes of the Warriors have proven that formation and stability can produce results at the height. Always in search of consistency and a place at the top of the Eastern Conference, the Knicks may be tempted by this new policy.
Mitchell Robinson has extended his contract in New York and is the first Knicks rookie to do so since Charlie Ward 23 years ago. A curse has just ended at Madison Square Garden.