Thomas Robinson

[chube]

Word has it that Thomas Robinson will agree to a buyout in Denver. Think he's worth a look.? Obviously, a roster spot would need to be created, but Whittington could be waived easily or Scola could be bought out to join a contender. (The latter makes more sense for many reasons.)

Anybody think Robinson would be worth a look? Any player who has been traded 3 times in 3 seasons obviously has some question marks on the surface, but he hasn't been in great situations. Pacers could use him. We have a great athlete on the wing (PG) and in the backcourt (G-Hill) but not a ton of athleticism on the front court between Hibb, Ian, West, Scola and Allen.

Right now, he's a (VERY) light version of DeAndre Jordan. Freak athlete, deceptively strong, nice rebounder and defender, but limited offensively. But for as cheap of a contract as he will probably command, decent long-term development piece to look into.

Thoughts?


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[mikepacernation]

You know I can't say that I've watched him play much but when I have it's been very unimpressive. But he has the tools to be good. I just don't see the pacers buying scola out or waiving Whittington.


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[DunkinDutchman]

I have always been a big Thomas Robinson fan. I started to like him when he as at Kansas. He is big and physical. I think he fits our style of play from a rebounding and defensive standpoint. Brings nothing to the table offensively and has a pretty low IQ in general of offensive basketball. With that said, if he buys out now....don't pursue him. He is not an upgrade over anyone on our current roster in the front court. If he frees up at all this offseason, I would love to see us sign him for the minimum.

[MNPacersfan]

You know I can't say that I've watched him play much but when I have it's been very unimpressive. But he has the tools to be good. I just don't see the pacers buying scola out or waiving Whittington.

I wouldn't say he has the tools... He has the athleticism. Unless he's willing to learn the game he won't get anywhere. He looks confused, and it kind of appears that he's had a lot of trouble learning plays given that he's lost on the court so regularly.
He's Hassan Whiteside. Look at him in 2 years after he's bounced around Asia and the NBDL to get some seasoning (i.e. smarts).

[pacers33]

I never liked him. Thought he would bust and he has thus far, even though to be fair he's had his fair share of bad luck. He's worth a look but I don't see much in him.

[Scoot McGroot]

Robinson is looking for a place where he can finally play big minutes. Unless we waive Scola or he or West come down injured, I just don't think that Indy's a possibility. Somewhere like Boston (where Sullinger is likely out for the year), or Miami (where Bosh is likely out for the year) would be perfect, as he'd get a TON of minutes to showcase himself.

[Boneman2]

I do agree that TRob should go to a situation where he'll finally get some legit PT. However, in saying that, Indy is actually the perfect spot for him. Maybe not so much for the rest of this season, but specifically for next season and beyond. As early as next season he could capture upwards of 24 mpg., if he performs. He's the perfect candidate to groom under West. Absolutely no risk, and he still has enough potential to become a very good role player.

[basketballwacko2]

Robinson has potential but Scola is playing better than him. IF we wanted to drop Scola we could but not likely.

[Scoot McGroot]

I do agree that TRob should go to a situation where he'll finally get some legit PT. However, in saying that, Indy is actually the perfect spot for him. Maybe not so much for the rest of this season, but specifically for next season and beyond. As early as next season he could capture upwards of 24 mpg., if he performs. He's the perfect candidate to groom under West. Absolutely no risk, and he still has enough potential to become a very good role player.

He could get 36+ minutes a night, this season, in Miami, Boston, or NY. In reality, Indy doesn't offer him the BEST situation, unless he believes that he wants to specifically learn under West/Scola/Vogel, while not playing at all this season going into his unrestricted free agency.

[Boneman2]

I don't disagree. There are better short term options. I'm thinking long term though. Out of the 3 choices you listed only NY is a viable long term option because there is potential beyond this season. Bos and Miami view him as nothing more than a stop-gap.

Besides its hardly likely TRob is capable of increasing his value too significantly down the stretch. Unless it is his mission to play for every team in the association, his advidsors would be wise to position him on a team in need of his services beyond this season.

Another great spot for him is San Antonio. Not only is there future potential for him to start, but in the meantime he could learn a thing or two. Indy offers a similar opportunity. Both are great franchises with aging big men.

[Wizop]

why mess up the chemistry. we've got a nice winning streak going and the 7th seed is in our sights. plus, we're going to draft higher than usual and next year we'll need a spot for a rookie.

[Scoot McGroot]

I don't disagree. There are better short term options. I'm thinking long term though. Out of the 3 choices you listed only NY is a viable long term option because there is potential beyond this season. Bos and Miami view him as nothing more than a stop-gap.

Besides its hardly likely TRob is capable of increasing his value too significantly down the stretch. Unless it is his mission to play for every team in the association, his advidsors would be wise to position him on a team in need of his services beyond this season.

Another great spot for him is San Antonio. Not only is there future potential for him to start, but in the meantime he could learn a thing or two. Indy offers a similar opportunity. Both are great franchises with aging big men.

Not necessarily. Wherever he signs wouldn't receive any bird rights with him, so he's still starting over this summer. He could either do that with a run of 30+ minutes a night, or with a run of no playing time, after being dumped and bought out. One has the chance to revive his career, the other likely kills any chance of reviving a career except with the one team he chose to sit on the bench for. He could pull a Gerald Green, finish the season in Miami and then get a chance in free agency elsewhere next season. He would be limited to a make good tryout in Indy only next year if he signed here now.

[Boneman2]

No team is going to offer Thomas an amount large enough to evoke his Bird Rights, not this offseason anyway.

I can respect if others wouldn't do it because of the great chemistry our team currently possesses. But there is also the possibility he could add to the mix.

we will undoubtedly have to add a PF in the offseason, my thinking just expedites the process.

[Scoot McGroot]

No team is going to offer Thomas an amount large enough to evoke his Bird Rights, not this offseason anyway.

I can respect if others wouldn't do it because of the great chemistry our team currently possesses. But there is also the possibility he could add to the mix.

we will undoubtedly have to add a PF in the offseason, my thinking just expedites the process.

It would've been a good idea for us; not necessarily for Robinson.


And no matter how much Thomas is paid in this Brooklyn deal has no matter on his Bird rights. He'll only have had the equivalent of one year of service with Brooklyn, or Indy, after this end of season deal, so no Bird rights, and you can only exceed the cap to re-sign a guy for up to 120% of his previous year's salary. After 2 seasons, a team would have Early Bird Rights, which allows you to go up to 175% of a guys previous years salary (this is how we re-signed David West). Bird Rights come with 3 full seasons and you can exceed the cap up to essentially a player's maximum salary.

The amount paid doesn't invoke Bird Rights.