Croatia’s Luka Modric (AP/PTI)

Luka Modric’s exit from the World Cup stage and, with it, possibly international football as well, did not turn out to be the beau idéal or a perfect 10, a number he has so adoringly and alluringly made his own over the years. The end was, though, dramatic — and cruel. As Croatia thought Josko Gvardiol’s late equaliser against Portugal was enough to defy the inevitable, enter VAR with its usual plot twist to turn it into a cause célèbre. Modric, looking stoically detached from the chaos around him, his face reflecting a sobering resignation to fate, was slowly enveloped in a warm hug from Cristiano Ronaldo. It was a moment of catharsis. Of the two middle-aged men, Ronaldo will now go deeper into the tournament, but Modric’s fifth bid for the biggest prize will remain elusive. “I played with Luka for many years. We’re almost the same age. He’s a football legend; he’s still a football legend because he keeps playing so well and with such great quality. It’s incredible,” Ronaldo later let his feelings be known to the world. The 40-year-old Croatian — often hailed as the greatest player from the tiny, proud Central European country — is ringing the curtain down on his World Cup career with a silver and a bronze medal, with the Golden Ball and the Bronze Ball to boot. A sportsperson’s eternal thirst for completing an endeavour often comes with its presumed value and a reassuring order, but judging Modric through this perception is anything but a conventional valediction. Because pity has never been a requisite for generating passion in his play, because his football has always throbbed with its life-affirming nature. This is where he is unique, perhaps offering a more humane conception of a sporting hero. If Davor Suker — a goal-machine par excellence — represented a symbol of hope and happiness for a newly independent Croatia by helping them finish third in the 1998 World Cup, Modric has extended that legacy, serving as a bridge between the country’s astounding arrival and its new identity in the 21st century as a football powerhouse. Modric himself was a child of Croatia’s battle for independence, his early years turning him into a refugee moving from one place to another in search of survival. Luckily, instead of picking up arms, he found in football the calm amid the chaos. His football has since sought to restore order to disorder, and this has helped him rise above the mediocre. In his delightfully alluring presence, in those sumptuous outside-of-the-boot flicks or crosses, beauty has resided like an object of transcending elegance, like Roger Federer’s backhand — conjuring up a mystique in how it transitions defence into attack, and attack into a winner before opponents could even get a grasp of it. Like every No. 10, he has been a quintessential dreamer with the ball. Tottenham gave him the platform to announce his arrival, and it was at Real Madrid where he truly found his dramatic stage to realise his dream, marrying his method with an unflinching rhetorical fancy. It was never stereotypical, but rather a symphony of pure joy. His rise as the heartbeat of the Spanish club coincided with Croatia’s most successful period in international football, finishing second in the 2018 World Cup and third four years later in Qatar. In his last dance on the world’s stage, he might have tumbled like an ageing king, but not before thrilling the crowd. Football will feel a bit empty now, but Modric’s legacy will be a lasting one.

As Gianni Infantino stood beaming in the Miami stands on an unforgettable night at the World Cup, posing for selfies amid celebrities at the unforgettable Argentina vs Cape Verde match, it was hard not to wonder whether he should have been more focused on what Fifa are actually supposed to be about: running football tournaments.

Because, over five needlessly chaotic hours on Friday, they almost failed at the basics of that: confirming a kick-off time for a football match.

The basic details are worth recapping, all the more so because they are clouded in so much confusion.

Shortly after midday in Mexico City, and 7pm in the UK, one Mexican broadcaster reported as fact that Sunday’s last-16 match between Mexico and England was being brought forward six hours – to 12pm local – “due to a forecast of thunderstorms”.

National team coach Javier Aguirre even went on the same broadcaster’s show to furiously complain about it.

Various federation figures and Fifa sources were initially slow to even respond to questions about this, but it was eventually confirmed that negotiations were taking place. There was still a keenness within the global governing body to insist that there had been no agreement on a new time, or that the game was yet going to be moved.

Mexican media were still reporting it as a done deal, however, that this game was absolutely taking place at 12pm.

A rare popular Sir Keir Starmer decision, to allow pubs to stay open for a 1am kick-off, apparently wasn’t even going to have benefit. England fans would instead get to watch at prime time.

And then… an about-turn, if that’s how you can even describe this.

Some local media were reporting that the game was taking place at the original time, after all.

Just before 5pm, midnight in the UK, Fifa sources were confirming this, but after a lot of confusion and considerable cost.

This went beyond the two teams having to completely reconsider preparation plans for such a crucial game. The Independent has been told of England supporters who felt forced into paying thousands of dollars just to try and fulfil the dream of seeing the team at the Azteca, because their travel to Mexico City was cutting it too close.

That was directly because of a dismal lack of communication, that was all the worse given the proximity to the match.

In normal circumstances, after all, you could actually have some sympathy for Fifa here.

The summer circumstances in north America mean they have to be prepared for a certain adaptability due to the weather, and storms in Mexico City at this time of year are said by locals to be “like clockwork” and ferocious.

Fifa sources were talking about a “risk of flooding”. This match may yet be delayed on the night.

Mexican sources were meanwhile talking of other necessary considerations, like security and public order after the difficulties of handling celebrations following Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Ecuador.

There was obviously a lot to think about, and it’s completely fair that Fifa would have to discuss contingency plans.

It’s also out of their control that Mexican media just went and reported a change to kick-off.

Fifa were wrong-footed.

What is not out of their control, though, is how they respond to that.

There was no leadership, direction or answers. Infantino at that point didn’t seem to have control of his own competition.

Such perceptions became even worse when the various involved parties were pursued for explanation.

No one at Fifa was willing to go into any of it. The Football Association insisted it was nothing to do with them, and they are understood to have been astounded by developments. They hadn’t even been notified about any discussions when reports appeared in Mexican media, despite Fifa sources stating both federations had been informed at the same time. Aguirre fulminated that he hadn’t even been consulted.

“The schedule change hits like a kick in the stomach,” the Mexican coach said, while speaking to the logistical issues that both sides were now having to consider. “We have to change the entire plan. I don’t like it at all, nor do my players.

“Of course, the food, the nap, the sleep, the physiotherapy, everything, everything, it seems trivial, but it isn’t.”

Sources close to the Mexican FA were meanwhile saying they had been informed by local broadcasters.

As people scrambled for info, the England camp were en route from Kansas City to Mexico City. Their flight was apparently one of the few in north America that doesn’t have wifi.

As they were travelling, reports emerged in Mexico that all of this was a consequence of negotiations between Fifa and the BBC – a claim the BBC flatly denied.

The majority of those connected to the story already felt that idea was absurd, that the corporation would never consider trying to change the schedule, especially at this late stage.

The BBC were still one of the few to go on record.

No one else was willing to take public responsibility for pushing the change, and there was a lot of private finger-pointing.

Some believe it speaks to the ad hoc manner of governance in Infantino’s Fifa.

The eventual adherence to the original time – after five hours of confusion – was decided upon after hours of discussions with both federations.

While fears do persist about delays and flooding, a key factor was that the operation around the game – right up to military personnel – was too complicated for it to be changed.

The potential for confusion was too great. There’d been enough on Friday, not quite a day when time stood still but somehow went back and forth, amid all kinds of spin.

Arthur Fery is probably sick of people mentioning his height.

At 5ft 9in, the British number three is shorter than many of his peers on the ATP Tour.

The Wimbledon grass often suits ‘servebots’ – tall players who send down flurries of aces and unreturnable first serves. Fery does not fall into that category.

But the 23-year-old has shown he has other tools to hurt opponents and plans to use them against Zizou Bergs, a 6ft 1in Belgian, when they meet on Saturday for a place in the fourth round.

The world number 114 is carrying British hopes at the All England Club after becoming the sole home player to reach the third round of the singles.

“Arthur has to be an exceptional mover – he’s got a very good first serve, but he’s not going to get as many cheap points by hitting people off the court,” said Alex Ward, a men’s national coach with the Lawn Tennis Association who has been guiding Fery.

“He’s had to have an all-round game, been able to come to the net, defend, attack, use variation.

“In general, if you are on the shorter side, you have to be better at the skill side, and fortunately, he is.”

Fery has plenty of venom in his groundstrokes and his nimbleness means he is able to spring forward to finish points with volleys at the net.

The way Fery carries himself around the court is also notable, and Ward believes it is one of his biggest strengths.

“He believes, not in an arrogant way, he can beat the players he’s playing here,” said Ward.

“When you talk to him, and when we speak about matches or opponents, I get a real true feeling that he believes he can win matches.

“That’s a massive thing to have, and it’s a tough thing to be taught.”

The New York Knicks‘ first championship team in 53 years is now starting to look a little bit different.

They were able to hang on to Jose Alvarado, but the first domino to fall was defensive big man Mitchell Robinson, who signed a three-year deal with the Boston Celtics.

Several of Robinson’s former Knick teammates, including Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and OG Anunoby, commented on his farewell post on Instagram, but Robinson’s response to Anunoby was rather telling.

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Mitchell Robinson outside City Hall at the New York Knicks ticker-tape parade June 18, 2026 in New York City. (XNY/Star Max/GC Images)

Anunoby commented with a sad emoji, and Robinson said he “tried” to get back with the Knicks, hinting the feeling was not mutual.

“I tried brother I didn’t want this to happen hopefully the truth comes out at some point. I’m gonna miss you big dawg! Keep being great,” Robinson replied.

Team owner James Dolan said almost immediately after the Knicks won the title that he had no interest in approaching the NBA’s second apron of payroll, calling it “suicidal.”

Mitchell Robinson of the New York Knicks celebrates after winning an NBA title against the San Antonio Spurs during Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 13, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. (Jesse D. Garrabrant /NBAE via Getty Images)

KNICKS OWNER APPEARS TO TAKE SWIPE AT MAMDANI AT NBA CHAMPIONSHIP CELEBRATION, STIFFS PHOTO OP WITH HIM

That alone was enough to tell fans that a roster reconstruction was looming, especially with Brunson about to make up for the massive pay cut he took to help the Knicks win it all.

Robinson grabbed the final offensive rebound off a missed free throw that all but clinched the Knicks’ title against the San Antonio Spurs last month.

Robinson saw both the good and the bad with the Knicks as a second-round draft pick in 2018; in his first season, they were 17-65.

Mitchell Robinson of the New York Knicks talks to the media after a Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs June 13, 2026, at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. (Jacob Gonzalez/NBAE via Getty Images)

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Now, he heads to an apparently retooling Celtics team as a champion.

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There is magic along Sir Matt Busby Way as Old Trafford draws closer, though the stadium’s scale only becomes apparent as fans walk onto the forecourt, where the United Trinity statue stands.

The statues of George Best, Denis Law and Sir Bobby Charlton look toward the venue where they rose to legendary status. It’s that history and tradition which means some Manchester United fans do not want to move to a new stadium.

“If it were up to me, we’d just stay where we are and just spend a bit of money doing it up, sort of thing,” Ed Ferguson, a season ticket holder in the Stretford End, told the Manchester Evening News.

“The impact on ticket prices is probably the biggest factor for me. We’ve seen examples before with, you know, Arsenal and other clubs where they’ve built a fancy new stadium and the ticket prices have exploded.

“There’s no reason to believe that wouldn’t be the same with United. Once we’ve moved, how much is it going to cost? That’s going to influence whether I renew it in the future. There is probably a limit for me.

“It also ties into the matchday experience as well. Walking down Warwick Road, you’ve got the big stadium on the left. Just that walk and that view. You know, you’ve got all the chippies that have been there forever.

“It’s just going to be a completely different matchday experience. History is a big part of it. I don’t trust the club knows how to translate that into a new stadium. I just don’t think they understand that part of it.”

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The MEN contacted United supporters for their views following the club’s announcement of the acquisition of a 25-acre plot of land located approximately 350 metres north-west of Old Trafford

United now own the majority of land required to build a 100,000-seater and can push ahead with their plans, which is good news for fans who believe the move is the right decision, and an exciting opportunity for the club.

“I’m fully for it as long as it is done with the right input from fans, and things like fan culture, atmosphere, and affordability are sort of key to the project,” Andrew Kilduff, co-founder of Stretford End Flags, said.

“I think most people’s big concern is, can they afford to go? That isn’t just an issue for a new build stadium, it’s an issue for football going forward, you know, affordability. But you’re hoping that, with an extra 25,000 seats and what a new stadium is going to bring, there’s an affordability aspect in there.

“I hope they can keep the ticket prices down, particularly in the areas behind the goal, the areas where you want the atmosphere, so they’re affordable for kids. It will be tough to fill 100,000 against Burton in the League Cup on a Tuesday night, so pricing has to be right.

“I joked about maybe the Rovers (Coronation Street’s famous pub from the soap filmed in Media City) being the nearest pub to where the new stadium would be. We could end up with a stadium that could be on Salford Quays itself, depending on what other land they build on.

“I think from a sort of iconic point of view, having the ship canal on one side and the Bridgewater Canal on the other, gives you something a little bit different and something you can work with.

“Somebody said (Sir Jim) Ratcliffe likes the idea of it being visible on the waterfront. You could have your hotels opening and restaurants opening up onto the water as well.”

John Baron, who has been going to Old Trafford since 1984, is another fan who is in favour of moving stadium, but also fears he will be priced out of going to games. “When I went to my first game, programmes were like 30p, and it cost a couple of quid to get in,” he said.

“I’m not expecting that, but I am concerned about being priced out. Otherwise, I’m broadly in favour of the new stadium. I think the club needs it to grow, it needs it to replace what sadly has become a very ageing and out-of-date structure with Old Trafford.

“I had a season ticket for about 20 years. I come across with the Leeds-Bradford branch of the Man United Supporters Club, and in the last few seasons, I’ve only been able to get across maybe half a dozen times a season.

“I must admit, I have taken to going with my son to watch non-league football here in Leeds. And the reasons why I’ve done that are because we’ve priced out in terms of going regularly now, as it is at £66 a game.”

Baron added: “The position of the ground doesn’t really come into my thinking. It’s going to be five minutes away from where it is. If it were five miles away, I’d be concerned, but the small walk doesn’t really bother me.

“It’s a relief [United securing land] to be honest with you because when you don’t hear about anything happening for so long, you start to worry that maybe nothing’s going to happen.

“I’m looking forward to them making some progress and actually creating a world-class stadium. The idea of having a canopy above it, and kind of covering, you know, the outside of the ground, I thought it was actually quite a neat idea.

“I’m hoping that the concept art didn’t really do it justice. I think the reality of it could be quite impactful. I like the idea of essentially having a United District where you’ve got all your museums, shops, cafes, and other buildings and facilities around the site. I’m genuinely excited to see that.”

The proposed canopy would be visible from the outskirts of Liverpool. The three rods are intended to symbolise the trident from United’s crest, and lead architect Norman Foster said it was a nod to the club’s industrial history.

The canopy design split opinion, but Kilduff of Stretford End Flags believes it could look impressive. “I go to the Middle East quite a bit, and I stay at the racetrack at Abu Dhabi in the hotel there, and it’s done almost the same,” he said.

“It looks really good. It can glow up and there are messages that can be LED, but trying to get that as a visual is very hard to do, and I think maybe the height of what they’ve put these sorts of three-structure pillars in makes it look a little bit more circus-like than what they would hope.

“I think the overall concept of it, where you’ve got an area around the stadium where it’s going to be undercover, is good. It would give somewhere dry to stand around, have a pint and have some entertainment.”

Kam Hosseini, a season ticket holder who also attends away games, feels conflicted about the move. “I started off very much against it, then as time has gone on, I’ve warmed to it a little bit, just because of the information I’ve heard about it, like more revenue for the club,” he said.

“I adore Old Trafford, I would love to stay there if possible, but there comes a point where some things you have to let go of. If it were down to me, I would love to stay at Old Trafford, but I’ve come around to the fact that is not going to happen, and I accepted that in my head.

“It would be silly not to think that it’s going to hit supporters’ pockets in some way. I think that’s inevitable. It would be good if they were clear about how it will affect supporters.

“Communication is key. The one thing I will give to Ineos and the new regime is that communication has been a lot better. It’s not been perfect, but it’s been way better than what we’ve been used to.

“They’ve got to get this right. With the new site they’ve acquired, they somehow must incorporate bits around Old Trafford into it, places like Busby Way. I don’t know how it will be done, but I feel like they’ve got to, they’ve got to keep that link. For me, that’s imperative.

“They must keep the original fan culture and the places that people go. Whilst obviously there’s going to be new aspects to it, I feel like they’ve got to try and incorporate that. How they do it, I don’t know, but I think that’s key when it comes to new stadiums.”

Alexander Donics is a United fan who is a native New Yorker. He has followed the club since 1998. “There weren’t too many teams that were actually being broadcast on TV from the Premier League back then,” he said.

“Due to United’s string of success, they were one of the teams that were frequently on TV, and that’s how I started to follow United. And it’s just been a team that I’ve followed since then, through all the ups and downs.

“I probably spend too much time thinking about it, to be honest, but that’s why I want to have this conversation with you, because I am a passionate supporter. When I was last there, it was for the Arsenal match at Old Trafford with Erik ten Hag in charge. I was having conversations with other supporters, many of who were lifelong season ticket holders, and I would say the majority of those fans said ‘it’s time to change this’ because there’s no denying that the stadium is in poor shape.

“It’s also tough to compete as a business with that stadium, so that’s kind of the rational side of the argument, but I’m legitimately torn on the move.”

Donics is a lifelong New York Yankees fan, and the baseball team moved to a new stadium in 2009. “I can tell you that the new stadium, as amazing as it is, lacks that sense of nostalgia and that sense of history that the old stadium had,” he said.

“I suspect that the same will be true when United move. There’s so much history in that stadium that even if it was replaced with a world-class stadium, which I’m sure they’ll be able to do, something will be missing.

“Once it’s gone, you can’t get it back. So it really is something that, as a fan, I’m on the fence about. If you’ve seen the team succeed on the pitch or on the field, those memories can’t be replaced.

“I spent a lot of time growing up going to Yankee Stadium and, you know, I’ll never get that back, right? The new stadium, as much as I like it, don’t get me wrong it’s a great stadium, it’s just that chapter of my kind of sports affinity has been closed.

“The team tried to do a good job at replicating the look and feel of old Yankee Stadium. There are certainly some design elements they tried to honour. And that’s great, but it still feels a little bit cold.”

Donics added: “The biggest risk that I see is that United prioritise the development of the stadium over the next five to eight years, and don’t reinvest in the team. As fans, we want to see United win the Premier League and compete for the Champions League.

“It feels like the club is making the stadium the priority. I think we can all get on board with the business rationale for it, but until we start to see the results on the pitch and an ownership team that, you know, is reinvesting in the squad, moving stadium will feel like a pure money grab.”

Egypt captain and star forward Mohamed Salah could not hold back his emotions after leading the Pharaohs to a historic victory over Australia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Egypt defeated Australia 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time, securing their first-ever win in a World Cup knockout match and booking a place in the last 16.

Salah, who scored a confident Panenka penalty during the shootout, was seen in tears after the final whistle as Egypt made history by becoming one of the first two African nations to win a knockout match at the same World Cup tournament.

“It’s history,” Salah said after the match.

“I told the boys before the game that this is the biggest stage you can play on. Enjoy it and don’t let the pressure get to you.

“I’m glad that we managed to win the game. Bad luck to them. I’m happy that we made history.”

The 34-year-old admitted that he deliberately took a risky Panenka penalty to inspire confidence in his teammates.

“If somebody was going to do it, it would be me!” Salah added.

“I am more experienced than the others and I wanted to give them confidence. I decided at the last minute. I had to do it.”

Egypt had taken the lead in the first half through Emam Ashour before Australia equalised after an own goal by Mohamed Hany.

The match eventually went to penalties, where Egypt converted all four of their spot-kicks through Mahmoud Saber, Ramy Rabia, Salah and defender Hossam Abdelmaguid, who scored the winning penalty.

Australia’s hopes ended after Harry Souttar missed the opening penalty and teenager Lucas Herrington struck the crossbar.

Egypt will now face either Argentina or Cape Verde in the Round of 16 as they continue their historic World Cup journey.

Vozinha and Cabo Verde tangled with Lionel Messi and Argentina, and while the run of the Blue Sharks at the World Cup may be over, they’ve left a mark on the World Cup that won’t be forgotten. As the second smallest nation to ever qualify for the tournament, Cabo Verde used LinkedIn as a recruiting tool, pulling from their diaspora around the world, and after drawing against Spain, they one-upped themselves in an electric match, facing Argentina in the round of 32.

What’s most impressive in this loss to Argentina is that Cabo Verde lived up to their dreams so much that, leaving the pitch against Argentina, it wasn’t about moral victories. It was a picture of sadness. Players who laid it all on the line going toe to toe with the reigning World Cup champions, and they were able to fight back twice. Vozinha outdueled Emiliano Martínez, and Sidny Lopes Cabral had the best goal from distance, not Messi. 

“We hope that now you realize that there is no easy opponent, and congratulations to Cabo Verde. We knew that they were going to be a tough opponent, and we struggled so much,” Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said after the match. “Actually, we deserved the win, but that doesn’t mean that the opponent made things easy for us, and of course, I will talk about the negative aspects with my players, but we also need to focus on the positive aspects, the fact that we never gave in, and neither did the opponents.”

Messi also agreed with his manager about how tough the Blue Sharks made this on Argentina. Without fouling much, Cabo Verde are the team who pushed Argentina the most physically, making things quite tough for them in the match despite having all the talent from all over the world and a core of the team playing in the second division of Portugal.

“We knew this would be a very tough match. In the World Cup, no one gives you anything for free. Now it’s about resting, learning from today, and focusing on the next game. Also, congratulations to Cabo Verde for that great performance,” Messi said.

These aren’t things that happen overnight, and it’s part of why the Cabo Verde story has been one that has endured during this tournament. Katy Perry may not have been in attendance for their game against Argentina, but even Left Shark made an appearance in the game as their style makes the Blue Sharks easy to root for, as Bubista has built an organized unit during his time in charge of the squad.

“I think that shows the character of our team, how skilled our team is, and was throughout most of the match. We knew of the quality of our opponent,” Bubista said. “It would be a tough match, as it truly proved to be against Argentina. But I think we did our best, and we did it with bravery. And never did we fail to stay true to our identity, which is why I’m so proud of what my players did throughout the match.”

Bubista has been the architect of this project, managing the side since 2020, and while he was confident that they’d compete coming into the match, it’s another thing to push Argentina from start to finish after what they’ve already accomplished. And surely he’ll also be prepared to work on their set-play defending, which was their undoing in extra time.

Their keeper, Vozinha, grew to internet fame after the draw against Spain and has amassed over 18 million Instagram followers during the tournament. When the World Cup began, his mother wasn’t able to see him play due to visa issues, but those were resolved so that she could see the remainder of Cabo Verde’s run.

While there is joy around the Cabo Verde story, there are also the rape allegations surrounding their captain, Ryan Mendes, that have cast a negative shadow during the tournament. He had an assist during the game and has appeared over 100 times for this country, but he’s currently under investigation in regard to an alleged incident in New Zealand in March.

Following the match, Bubista made it clear that he would only answer questions about the game, and if Mendes is found guilty, his participation in the World Cup will bring a black mark to this team, which is unfortunate because they’re well poised to be back at this stage. 

This World Cup run will make dual national recruitment easier for Cabo Verde, as now eyes turn toward the Africa Cup of Nations and qualifying for the 2030 World Cup. Remember the Cabo Verde name because this won’t be the last time that it’s heard on the big stage for this island nation.

Losing Mitchell Robinson to the division rival Boston Celtics was a real blow to the New York Knicks, who were simply not going to go past the second apron to sign a backup center. On Friday, they addressed that need with a poor-man’s Robinson by signing free agent Andre Drummond to a one-year, $3.9 million deal, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. 

Drummond, who spent the last two seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, has been around for a long time. This will be his 15th season in the league. According to SNY’s Ian Begley, that was a big reason why New York went after him. They like Drummond’s veteran experience and his rebounding to fill some of the void left by Robinson, one of the best offensive rebounders in NBA history. 

Drummond is an all-time rebounder himself. His career 25% rebound rate is the best ever. He played 62 games for the 76ers last season, and when he was on the floor, he rebounded 20.2% of all misses. That was the second-best rebound rate in the league. Who was the best? Robinson, who brought down 21.4% of all misses. If you take the stats at face value, Drummond and Robinson performed strikingly similarly last season. 

Where they separate, on paper, is with Robinson’s 72.3% shooing clip against Drummond’s 47.2%, but that is because Robinson basically doesn’t shoot anything that isn’t a point-blank finish. Drummond doesn’t do much more, but he is a bit more of an active offensive participant outside of screening and crashing the glass. We all remember him actually taking and making corner 3s in the playoffs. 

Plus, Drummond’s 63.1% free-throw clip is basically Steph Curry compared to Robinson, who shot 40% from the stripe in the regular season and 29% in the playoffs. That’s a big deal. Drummond made 70% of his free throws in the playoffs. You can’t hack him off the floor the same way you can Robinson. 

It begs the question: Did the Knicks just get an equal player for a fraction of the $47 million the Celtics just paid for Robinson? The answer is no. Robinson is a much better defender. But listen, at the end of the day, the Knicks just blasted their playoff opponents by 22.5 points per 100 possessions with Robinson off the floor, per Cleaning the Glass, while falling to just plus-2.7 with Robinson on the floor. The 76ers were basically neutral with Drummond on the floor. 

That’s a small sample and we all understand these numbers are lineup and opponent dependent. Robinson is a better player. That’s why he just got a $47 million contract while Drummond is getting $3.9 million. But for a $44 million savings, which adds up to a bunch more with the taxes and roster-building restrictions they avoid by staying under the second apron, this is a heck of a bargain deal for the Knicks.