Celtics Weigh Robinson’s Role After Uneven Start
Boston Celtics center Mitchell Robinson is struggling to rebound and connect on plays with teammates as the 5-2 team considers its rotation. The questions were highlighted after Boston’s loss to Houston, in a story published on November 3, 2026.
On November 3, 2026, the Celtics were 5-2 and third in the Eastern Conference, but Mitchell Robinson’s early performance had raised questions about his place in the rotation. He averaged 4.2 offensive rebounds per game last season; so far, he is averaging 1.8. Boston is 13th among teams in offensive boards per game and 15th by offensive-board rate.
Coach Joe Mazzulla said Robinson has been playing farther from the basket, setting screens and helping create offense on the perimeter. Robinson, after the loss to the Rockets, said he did not know why his numbers were down but needed to figure it out soon. The story also pointed to low-energy possessions and a lack of conditioning as concerns, while noting that Robinson’s 19 minutes per game are similar to last season’s average.
Boston’s pick-and-roll connection with Robinson has also been inconsistent. The Celtics managed a couple of alley-oop passes against Houston, but Jayson Tatum said he had thrown two too high. Mazzulla described the play as the right read and said the team needed to keep working on the timing. Against the Rockets, Robinson made his first appearance as a reserve.
Neemias Queta and Luka Garza have played well, giving Boston alternatives, though early on/off figures are limited and could shift with a small number of games. The Celtics are winning despite Robinson’s struggles, leaving the team to balance giving him time to find his rhythm against relying on the more established chemistry of other centers.