Thomas Robinson

Robinson, Beal, Barnes slide to #5, who do you Select

  • Robinson

    Votes: 23 63.9%
  • Beal

    Votes: 3 8.3%
  • Barnes

    Votes: 5 13.9%
  • Other

    Votes: 1 2.8%
  • Trade

    Votes: 4 11.1%

  • Total voters
    36

Purple Reign

Starter
In my opinion the Kings are in good shape with Davis being first and either Robinson, MKG or Beal falling to #5. Where we get screwed and should begin to explore trade options is if Drummond or Barnes are at #5.

But there is something about this guy that absolutely intrigues me!!

kansas-thomas-robinson.jpg


Here are his official pre-draft measurements:
6'8" 3/4 with shoes (6'9")
244 lbs
7'3" wing span (1 inch shorter than Anthony Davis)
5% Body Fat (NBA Body already)

Mental Maturity
"He certainly has had a remarkable year in large part because I think he's been able to take a terrible situation, tragic, multiple situations and somehow use basketball as his outlet to somehow spin something positive out of it. Everybody admires him that comes in touch with him around our camp because I don't know how many guys could do what he's done." - Kansas Coach Bell Self

Basketball On the Floor Strengths
Much of the intrigue with Robinson prior to this season revolved around his outstanding physical tools for an NBA power forward prospect. Listed at 6-10 this season (he measured the same in shoes at the LeBron James Skills Academy over the summer) with a 7-1 wingspan, broad shoulders, and a chiseled frame, Robinson also possesses excellent quickness and explosiveness for a player his size, which he further enhances by playing with tremendous energy.

These traits are on full display when watching Robinson on the glass, as once again as a junior he was second amongst all players in our database in rebounds per-40 minutes. His size and strength enable him to get good position inside, and his length, athleticism, and energy allow him to go get rebounds out of his area. This is an area where he can make an impact immediately at the NBA level, giving him a skill to hang his hat on while he continues to polish some of the other facets of his game.

While Robinson's ability to affect a game with his energy and rebounding likely won't be in question by NBA scouts, his upside as an NBA player will likely depend on how he improves his skill level on the offensive end. What he's shown this season, though, as the leading scorer and focal point for one of the nation's top teams, is certainly encouraging.

Basketball on the Floor Weaknesses
Robinson's court vision and passing ability are still a bit subpar at this stage, as he's drawn more defensive attention than he's seen in past seasons, and he hasn't seemed to adjust to feeling defenders collapsing in the post or on the drive.

Improving as jump shooter will also be a big key Robinson and his NBA potential. After shooting only 17 jumpers all of last season, he's shot nearly four times that many as a junior, but connected on an unimpressive 35% of those attempts. His shooting mechanics look improved, however, and he's shot 68% from the free throw line this season, up from a miserable 51% as a sophomore.

Establishing himself as a reliable mid-range jump shooter will open up opportunities for him to attack more off the dribble and make him more of a pick-and-pop threat, adding another dimension to his game on the offensive end. While he certainly has work to do in this area, the progress he's made is a step in the right direction.

Defense
Robinson has excellent potential to defend the power forward position in the NBA. He's big and strong enough to defend on the block, and he's quick enough laterally to defend more perimeter-oriented four men and help on pick-and-rolls. He's extremely active and plays with great energy and toughness, and his three years playing for Bill Self at Kansas should serve him well as he makes the transition to learning the defensive schemes at the NBA level.



But a red flag is that Scot Pollard, who talks to Napear regularly who contributes to the Jayhawks Broadcast says that Robinson's game does not translate to the NBA.

Thoughts?
 
Would definitely be intrigued/optimistic if we pick him up. He's not much of a shot blocker, but I could see him as being an upgrade over JT (and I'm a Thompson fan). DMC/Robinson/Whiteside as our future rotation could be rad if all three pan out.

Rich man's Milsap/Poor man's Griffin? I'd totally take him over Beal (fit issues) or Barnes (lower ceiling IMHO).


That being said....If Robinson/Drummond/MKG are on board when we pick at 5, Robinson would be my third choice.
 
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A healthier Leon Powe. If our center was Joakim Noah or Dikembe Mutombo I'd be all over it.

Here he will be the #2 inside scorer on a team that in addition already has 2 wing scorers. And he's not a high post guy who can pass or hit jumpers.
 
A healthier Leon Powe. If our center was Joakim Noah or Dikembe Mutombo I'd be all over it.

Here he will be the #2 inside scorer on a team that in addition already has 2 wing scorers. And he's not a high post guy who can pass or hit jumpers.

Agreed. I think he will be a very good player, but he just does not fit in with Cousins.
 
Those 3 guys are the exact wrong 3. Barnes proabbly the best fit, but is he going to be an iimpact player? I'm looking to trade at that point. #5pick has real value, you could get a real strong vet for that if you can find the right partner.
 
If we can chose one of those 3, I'd probably go with Barnes. We desperately need a real SF, and I don't know why, but I believe he's being a little underrated. I think he can become a very good player, so I'd take him, even if Robinson really intrigues me.

I would trade the pick only if Davis, MKG, Robinson and Barnes were off the board. We could get a very good veteran, or trade down for a player and a chance to pick T. Jones or Henson.
 
I would be ok with trading the pick but it depends on what we are getting back. If we keep the pick then I want Thomas robinson. If he is gone then Harrison Barnes
 
I'll start by saying that I've gone in circles with these guys already... and I'll probably change my mind 100 more times before the draft. That said if it came down to these guys I'd grab Beal and trade Thornton/resign JT. Thornton should be very tradeable and Beal imo will end up being a solid upgrade over Thornton long term. Beal is the surest thing of the group.
 
A healthier Leon Powe. If our center was Joakim Noah or Dikembe Mutombo I'd be all over it.

Here he will be the #2 inside scorer on a team that in addition already has 2 wing scorers. And he's not a high post guy who can pass or hit jumpers.

Actually, Robinson has a very good jumpshot all the way out to the three point line. At Kansas he had to play mostly in the post because they didn't have anyone else that could score down there. But he definitely can shoot the ball, and is very accurate from 15 to 18 feet. And, he's also a good passer..
 
I would be stoked to get Robinson. The guy is a winner. Took a very undertalented team in Kansas to the Finals and competed against a loaded Kentucky team. Sure, he's not the elite shotblocker you're looking for next to Cousins, but he's got a long wingspan and is super athletic. I'm sure if you ask him to focus more on defense and shotblocking, he will do it and be good at it. NOt great but good.
 
Apparently Robinson logged a 35 inch vertical at the combine. Almost the exact vertical Griffin put up. Griffin had a 35.5" vertical..
 
Apparently Robinson logged a 35 inch vertical at the combine. Almost the exact vertical Griffin put up. Griffin had a 35.5" vertical..

Despite having the same vertical, Robinson doesn't look like he has the freakish explosiveness of Griffin. But Robinson is much more skilled than Griffin, who is at this time is mostly athleticism.
 
A healthier Leon Powe. If our center was Joakim Noah or Dikembe Mutombo I'd be all over it.

Here he will be the #2 inside scorer on a team that in addition already has 2 wing scorers. And he's not a high post guy who can pass or hit jumpers.

I'll stand by what I said. Hopefully he brings some man D and passing ability. There is more than one way to be a strong defensive team, but the SF spot becomes pretty critical now.
 
Very safe pick, unlike Drummond and some others with far more bust potential. Will be very hard worker from day one and probably solid, high character pro for next ten years at least. Will Robinson become a cornerstone (with Cuz) to new Kings glory? He has all the tools to be a very, very good NBA player and his maturity (often mentioned by KU Coach Bill Self) may speed up the progress.
 
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