Knicks' Mitchell Robinson gets picked for US Select Team - New York Post

LAS VEGAS — Knicks center Mitchell Robinson will be back in Las Vegas in August.

Robinson, coming off a season in which he garnered second-team All-Rookie honors, found out Monday he will be on the Select Team that will practice against the U.S. World Cup team from Aug. 2-8 in Las Vegas, according to a source.

Though he won’t be joined by fellow rookie Kevin Knox, Robinson will help Team USA prepare for the FIBA World Cup, which takes place in September.

Team USA has not finalized the Select Team participants, but Marvin Bagley III, Landry Shamet and De’Aaron Fox are also reportedly on the roster.

The selection could affect the extent of Robinson’s stint at the Las Vegas Summer League. Robinson was expected to start at center against the Pelicans on Friday, but may play just two games here.

The 7-foot-1 center, who scored eight points and grabbed 10 rebounds in Friday night’s summer league game that was halted in the fourth quarter because of an earthquake, came to Vegas earlier this week with a new jersey number — 23 — to honor two slain high school teammates, and a wave of blond locks.

It has been quite a giant leap for Robinson, who was drafted in the second round a year ago after not attending college. He entered summer league as raw as sushi and with as many words.

The once-shy shot blocker now is hosting his own show on the Knicks’ website — he became one of the class clowns in the locker room teasing media — and is not afraid to tout his game.

“I feel I can guard anybody,’’ Robinson said earlier this week. “Last year, you all seen a little bit of it. I was number two in blocks [in the league at 2.4 per game]. I played good defense and I feel I will play a lot better defense.”

A record 1,000 media credentials were handed out for the Zion Williamson vs. RJ Barrett summer league opener Friday at the Thomas & Mack Center, which was sold out to capacity at 17,500.

“There’s no doubt there’s been tremendous buildup around his entry into the league,’’ commissioner Adam Silver said of Williamson. “I think those initial moments where he’s playing against NBA competition are highly anticipated. Based on the short career he’s had so far in college, he always seemingly lives up to the moment. I’m also very excited to see him play in Vegas.”

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