The Celtics need Mitchell Robinson to round his game into shape

The Boston Globe · Gary Washburn · 2026-11-04 01:13 UTC

When asked if Robinson is still working himself into shape, Celtics coach Mazzulla didn’t reject that assertion.

What’s apparent is that Mitchell Robinson is taking his early-season struggles hard. After yet another listless performance in Houston, Robinson sat at his locker seemingly pondering why it’s been so difficult to adjust to his new team, to do the things he usually does, to stay in the game and be productive.

He was a minus-16 in his 15 minutes in the Celtics’ 109-93 loss to the Rockets on Monday. He sprained his left thumb and left the game briefly. He was not good on defense. His teammates are having major trouble throwing him his preferred alley-oops. He isn’t moving as well as expected. He isn’t scoring or nabbing offensive rebounds.

There’s a theory that Robinson reported to camp in less than optimal shape and has been playing himself back into condition, to the detriment of his production. There are also the limitations that were profound when he signed a three-year contract as a free agent: troubles with free throw shooting, lack of offensive arsenal, and a propensity for fouls.

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