Since Nate Robinson’s stint with the New York Knicks in the 2009-2010 season, Robinson has played for the Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, and Chicago Bulls. Last season, with Derrick Rose out with an ACL injury, Marquis Teague unable to handle point-guard duties, and Kirk Hinrich battling injuries, Nate Robinson did more heavylifting than expected.
In the regular season, Robinson averaged 13.3 points per game to go along with 4.4 assists. He then took his game to a new level in the playoffs by averaging 16.3 points per game as well as averaging 4.4 assists. The numbers are not mind-blowing, but they were solid.
Sans the numbers, Robinson has been criticized for being a selfish player. Granted, there were definitely times when Nate went into “Yolo” mode, but all in all, he played better than expected while in Chicago.
With Robinson showing maturity in his game and having a breakout playoffs, it seemed like it would be a given that he would be a hot commodity during free agency. However, it has been 9 days (and counting) into his free agency, and Robinson is still in the unemployed line.
It baffles me to see guys like Jose Calderon, Devin Harris, and C.J. Watson get picked up in free agency before Robinson. Robinson, who is only 29 still has many quality seasons in him. Robinson will likley add another team to his resume, and it will probably remain that way until he retires from the game of basketball.
Some might think this is just another off-season but it’s more than that. Sadly, this off-season looks like it might involve the same old story with the same old storyline: the NBA hates Nate Robinson.
Agreed. Nate compares to Drew Brees for me. Small in stature and consistently doubted, but also consistently puts up numbers. I can see him as a potential Sixth Man candidate. For my Knicks, a reserve five of him, JR Smith, Amar’e, Copeland and Barron would be lethal. Hope he returns to Gotham.