Kendrick Perkins says best New York Knicks lineup ‘not even a question,’ makes Karl-Anthony Towns demand

Kendrick Perkins says New York Knicks should ‘start Mitchell Robinson’ to ‘protect Karl-Anthony Towns’

Robinson had a full offseason to prepare his body for the upcoming year.

He is motivated to get back on track and be an impactful rim protector and rebounder for the Knicks.

Having Robinson in the frontcourt will also help the wear and tear on Karl-Anthony Towns.

Kendrick Perkins explained on NBA Today why it’s important for the Knicks to start Robinson this season and why Towns will benefit from this decision.

“We saw the success that he had when he was in Minnesota playing alongside Rudy Gobert, and let Rudy take on all the defensive assignments.

“If I’m Mike Brown, this is not even a question. I start Mitchell Robinson. And if it’s about winning, everyone has to fall in line. It’s about accomplishing a goal that’s bigger than any individual.

“The best thing for them to do is to protect KAT, protect his defensive liabilities, and the only way to do that is by starting Mitchell Robinson.”

The New York Knicks should start Mitchell Robinson this season

The first big decision new head coach Mike Brown will make is what the Knicks starting lineup will be.  

The Knicks have four set starters in Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Towns. However, the fifth starter remains in question with Josh Hart and Robinson being the two options.

There’s an argument to be made to have Robinson start alongside Towns. Both of them played well together during the playoffs. The two-centers combined to be a plus 8.3 points per 100 possessions in 165 minutes together.

The change will also give the Knicks’ bench more steadiness with Hart as the leader of the second unit.

Brown still has time before he makes this decision, but a Robinson and Towns frontcourt could be the Knicks’ best chance of winning this season.