Why Mitchell Robinson wanted apology from Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla after leaving Knicks

Mitchell Robinson made his first Celtics appearance Tuesday at media day.He said he and head coach Joe Mazzulla have put their past behind them — after Mazzulla repeatedly fouled him when Robinson starred for the Knicks.Robinson, who missed his introductory press conference for personal reasons, also opened up about his relationship with Mazzulla, including a visit the Celtics coach made to Robinson’s home in Nashville.“At first, we had a little issue because I’m like, ‘You gotta say sorry for fouling me,’” Robinson said.“…But he apologized, and now we’re on the same team, so it’s going to be great, just build together and stuff like that, get to know him as the year goes on.

I feel like it’s going to be epic.”Across eight seasons with the New York Knicks, Robinson made 50.8 percent of his free throws but his accuracy has trended downward.His best season at the line was his rookie year, when he shot 60 percent.Last season was his worst, at 40.8 percent.That struggle at the line prompted several Eastern Conference coaches to adopt a “Hack-A-Mitch” approach, intentionally fouling Robinson to exploit his free-throw shooting.Mazzulla was among the coaches who leaned into the strategy.In the Celtics’ Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Knicks in 2025, Robinson made 14 of 31 free throws, shooting 45.2 percent — even attempting 10 free throws in Game 1 of that series.At Media Day, Mazzulla also discussed Robinson’s free-throw shooting—and said he’ll miss fouling him.After eight seasons in Madison Square Garden, Robinson signed with Boston this offseason on a three-year, $47.39 million deal, leaving the Knicks for a conference rival.The contract rewards an long-tenured veteran coming off a strong playoff run, during which he served as the Knicks’ primary interior defender and offensive rebounder.But Robinson’s move to a hated rival hasn’t gone over well with Knicks fans....