The addition of Mitchell Robinson changes the outlook of the Celtics overall scheme that is perceived to be a 3-point heavy system under head coach Joe Mazzulla. He does favor a 3-point basket because of the math, but he truly wants to win on the margins and Robinson helps with that.

To start, Robinson isn’t a 3-point shooter. In fact, he’s never even attempted one in a game. What he’s going to do is space the floor and set pick-and-rolls with Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard. He’ll score at the basket and get offensive rebounds.

Robinson’s one of the best offensive rebounders in the NBA, ranking in the top five in three out of the last four years.

• 2019-20: 186 (10th)
• 2021-22: 295 (2nd)
• 2022-23: 267 (2nd)
• 2025-26: 252 (5th)

Robinson will join Neemias Queta as the top centers for Boston. Queta was successful last season as the starting option. He also doesn’t shoot threes, but provides a role on both ends of the court as an all-around solid contributor and Robinson plays in a similar way.

Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens said that he wants to have more scoring opportunities at the rim and to also have better defense under it on the other end.

“I think the biggest thing is, can we generate looks at the rim? Yeah, everybody wants to do that, and every one of us would prefer a dunk over a 3. Every single one of us. Those are hard to get, and we struggle to generate them.”

The Celtics now have a trio of centers that they can rely this season with Robinson, Queta, and Luka Garza. The only concern with Queta and Robinson at this point is with fouls, both shooting from the line and committing them.

On one hand, Queta is regularly in foul trouble and not able to always be on the floor when it matters most. On the other hand, Robinson isn’t a great free throw shooter and the entire league knows it. He shot 40% last year and is at 50.8% for his career.

With Garza, the Celtics can still have a shooting big on the floor that will space the floor in a normal-looking Mazzulla style. Garza, who shot 43.3% from deep last year, just had the best season of his career in his first year with Boston.

The addition of Robinson is a great one for the Celtics, but it doesn’t help with 3-point shooting from the center position. And that’s fine, but I think we’re going to see a different approach from the Celtics next season.

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Photo Credit: Nathaniel S. Butler, Getty Images