Jason Burgos
A new report potentially points to the New York Knicks replacing veteran rim-protector Mitchell Robinson with St. John’s top star in 2025-26.
Robinson has never had statistics that jump off the page. Even this season, he is averaging 5.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in just 19.6 minutes a night. However, for Knicks fans and rivals in the conference, they know the seven-footer can be a big difference maker as an elite offensive rebounder, talented rim protector, and lob threat.
It’s why New York gave the former second-round pick a hefty pay raise four years ago in the form of a four-year deal worth $60 million. However, the valuable center is in the final year of his contract, and with the Knicks already hovering around the second salary tax apron, there is a very real chance they let Robinson walk in free agency.
That is why they are likely to look at trying to replace him with a more cost-effective option in June’s NBA Draft. Well, they might be among the teams reportedly taking a hard look at one player who could be a great Robinson replacement next season.
Could New York Knicks replace Mitchell Robinson with Zuby Ejiofor?
According to college basketball insider Adam Zagoria, over 20 teams have “requested private workouts” with St. John’s star Zuby Ejiofor. It would make a whole bunch of sense if the Knicks were one of those teams after the senior earned Big East Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Scholar Athlete of the Year honors this past season for a Red Storm team that reached the Sweet 16.
Although Ejiofor is shorter than Robinson (7-feet compared to 6-foot-9), he is the same weight as the Knicks center. He is also a talented rim protector (2.1 blocks a night) and offensive rebounder (3.0 ORPG in 2025-26, 4.4 in 2024-25). However, he can be an overall upgrade because he is a far more skilled scorer than Robinson.
Last season, Ejiofor posted 17.3 points per game and shot 72% from the line. Robinson is a liability at the line after averaging 51% from the stripe for his career. The St. John’s big man could be an option for New York with their pick at 24, or more likely at 31 to open Round 2 of the draft.
