ESPN NBA Player Rankings: Where's New York Knicks' Mitchell Robinson?

Mitchell Robinson has been a mainstay in the New York Knicks' starting lineup over the past three seasons.

New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson isn't seen as one of the key players on the team, but his impact is certainly underrated.

Robinson does the dirty work for the Knicks on the glass and in the paint, averaging a career-high 9.4 rebounds per game last season to go with 1.8 blocks. In the Knicks' preseason opener against the Boston Celtics on Monday, Robinson scored 10 points in grabbed seven rebounds in 23 minutes of action.

Robinson's efforts landed him on ESPN's Top 100 player rankings for the second consecutive year, placing him right on the button at No. 100, two spots lower than he was a year ago at 98th.

New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson on the tipoff against Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

"Robinson is an elite offensive rebounder, providing the Knicks with plenty of second-chance opportunities," ESPN's Tim Bontemps writes. "His 4.5 offensive boards per game last season were the second highest in the league, behind Memphis Grizzlies center Steven Adams. That, paired with Robinson's 67.1 field goal percentage thanks to a plethora of dunks, makes him exactly the kind of big man coach Tom Thibodeau looks for."

Robinson, 25, is entering the second season of a four-year, $60 million contract, but his roster spot isn't guaranteed. With the Knicks involved in countless trade rumors, Robinson could easily be in the package that it would take to acquire a player like Joel Embiid if he were to become available.

However, if Robinson continues his upward trajectory and proves to be a key player in the post, he could ensure his spot on the team moving forward as the Knicks look to take the next step towards a championship.

Robinson and the Knicks are back in action on Saturday when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG).