The New York Knicks started their preseason on Thursday, allowing multiple players to shake off the rust and shine for the fans.

A lot of people were impressed by Mitchell Robinson because the big man was looking like his vintage self during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Following the match, Josh Hart had huge praise for Robinson and suggested that keeping him in the starting lineup might be a smart move for new head coach Mike Brown.

“Starter Mitch is different,” Hart posted on X.

Starter Mitch is different https://t.co/XWp8xwwThQ

— Josh Hart (@joshhart) October 2, 2025

Robinson finished the preseason match with seven points and 16 rebounds, along with one block and a steal.

He did all of that in just 18 minutes on the court.

Robinson was looking sublime, which is great news for the Knicks, who have missed him a lot recently.

He has been dealing with injury issues for years and hasn’t been able to participate much.

Last season, he appeared in just 17 games, starting in only three of them, and averaged 5.1 points and 5.9 rebounds.

Brown also tipped his hat to Robinson and said that he was the player of the game.

Brown called him “phenomenal,” which has some fans thinking they’ll see a lot more of Robinson in the regular season.

That might happen, but only if the big man can stay in good shape.

If he can push forward without injuries and have performances that are even remotely like this one, Robinson will earn more minutes and more appearances in the starting five.

The Knicks have gotten by without Robinson over the years, but their defense has certainly been hurt by his absence.

He was back in a big way on Thursday, and now the hope is that he can stay that way.

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