Brooklyn Nets: Thomas Robinson Carving Out A Role

The Brooklyn Nets attempted to sign Thomas Robinson last season when he was released by the Denver Nuggets after a deadline trade had him ending up there from the Portland Trail Blazers. It got as far that they announced that a deal was done, as that was where Robinson wanted to be. But, the Philadelphia 76ers had other plans, as they claimed Robinson off waivers as they needed to hit the cap floor.

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As a free agent, Robinson and the Nets again agreed to terms, this time without anyone intervening. It may have taken a couple of months longer than originally planned, but Robinson now wears the black and white of the Brooklyn Nets, and looks like he is finally carving out a role in the NBA.

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Robinson has had a tumultuous NBA career thus far. Despite being only 24 years old and a former No.5 overall pick, Robinson has been given up on by multiple franchises. The Nets are technically the sixth franchise that he is a part of even though he was drafted only three years ago. After being drafted by the Sacramento Kings, he was shipped to the Houston Rockets at the deadline of his rookie season. From the Rockets, he was traded to the Trail Blazers. He was only there for a season and half before being traded and subsequently released by the Nuggets before landing with the 76ers. Now he is with the Nets, and for the first time in his career, he looks like he could have a consistent role with a team.

As things are currently situated, the Nets do not have much depth in their front court. Brook Lopez and Thaddeus Young is about all the Nets have at center and power forward to rely on. Andrea Bargnani was signed in the offseason as well, but he has a better chance of missing games than playing in them. The Nets are excited about rookie Willie Reed, but he will probably be eased into playing time. That leaves Robinson with a chance to really soak up some minutes.

The 18.5 minutes per game that Robinson played with the 76ers last season was the most he has played per game with any team, but he has a chance to top that with the Nets. Someone will have to play minutes in the front court for the Nets, as Lopez and Young cannot play 48 minutes each. That kind of opportunity has never been afforded Robinson, who has always been in crowded front courts, only playing in garbage time or if an injury occurs.

Sep 28, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Thomas Robinson (41) poses for a photo during media day at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Robinson has a great chance at playing time also because his best skill is an area that the Nets struggle in. Robinson’s best asset on the court is his motor, which translates to great rebounding numbers. His per 36 minute rebounding is at 12.2 in his career. The only time he got real playing time with the 76ers that number reached all the way up to 15 per 36 minutes. That easily dwarfs both Lopez and Young, who are at 8.1 and 6.5 per 36 minutes respectively in their careers.

Also, the Nets ranked 22nd in the NBA in rebounding last season, pulling down 42.4 per game and allowing 44.3. Robinson would instantly improve those numbers and help them get closer to the top-10 rebounding team they were during the 2012-13 with Reggie Evans on their team. Robinson would fill that type of role well, as he is limited offensively but would easily make up for with his hustle and energy. He is also much more athletic that Evans ever was, so the Nets may be able to find more of just a rebounding role for him.

Robinson has not disappointed in this area when on the court during the preseason. He has missed two games because of a wrist injury, but when he is on the court he has been a monster. Against Fenerbahce Ulker, Robinson pulled down an absurd 16 rebounds in 26 minutes. He was not far off that pace last night against the Boston Celtics, pulling down 12 in 18 minutes.

Those numbers, no matter the competition, will catch the eyes of the coaching staff. There is a need for a backup big on the Nets, and if given the chance Robinson could really excel in that role. His rebounding alone should warrant a spot in the rotation, as the Nets should have enough scoring options that he can get some real run for the first time in his career.

Robinson may never live up to the lofty expectations of being the No.5 overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, but he has a chance to carve out a real role with a team for the first time in his career. Robinson will prove to be a steal for the Nets, who signed him to a minimum contract, something he will outproduce with his rebounding alone.

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