Rating Thomas Robinson And The Sacramento Kings 2012 NBA Draft

First off, before we get into the A Royal Pain grade, let’s look at some of the national reports:

Sam Amick – A – No complaints here — from me or the Kings. Upon review, it appears that Sacramento was prepared to draft Dion Waiters at No. 5 rather than opt for Michael Kidd-Gilchrist or perhaps even Harrison Barnes, if all three were available. But they never had to make the tough choice when Kansas power forward Thomas Robinson fell to them. He will be a force in the frontcourt with center DeMarcus Cousins, who is quickly becoming one of the best big men in the game. The Kings haven’t addressed their need for more defensive presence down low, but Robinson was too good to pass on here. The only downside? The pressure on the Kings intensifies yet again, because this is the second time in three years that a big-time big man fell their way (Cousins was the fifth pick) and it’s time for them to start turning this talent into wins.

NBADraft.net – B – The Kings were at the bottom of the NBA in so many categories last season. They were a bad defensive team who did not share or shoot the ball well offensively. Robinson is not going to be able to help alleviate all their problems, but he should help them improve upon the 29th ranked defensive rebounding percentage (70.5%) and gives them a boost at the power forward position going forward. One also has to hope that his focused, aggressive style of play rubs off on some of his teammates.The Kings were at the bottom of the NBA in so many categories last season. They were a bad defensive team who did not share or shoot the ball well offensively. Robinson is not going to be able to help alleviate all their problems, but he should help them improve upon the 29th ranked defensive rebounding percentage (70.5%) and gives them a boost at the power forward position going forward. One also has to hope that his focused, aggressive style of play rubs off on some of his teammates.

CBS Sports Instant – A – The Kings have had their eye on Robinson for some time and had to wait and see if he’d be there for them. They get their wish, and their guy. Robinson probably isn’t star material, but he’s a high character player and putting him with DeMarcus Cousins means the Kings are going to be one tough team in the paint and on the glass.

CBS Sports (Eye On Basketball) – A+ – T-Rob is a relentless rebounder who slid a few spots, but will give the Kings another force up front to pair with DeMarcus Cousins. Robinson is a man who can step in immediately and make an impact on the glass. This was a terrific get for Geoff Petrie, one of the best drafters in the NBA.

Sporting News – A – The fact that they took Jimmer Fredette with the 10th pick last year is a reminder of how badly things can go on draft night. The fact that Robinson dropped into their laps at No. 5 this year is a reminder of the wonders of dumb luck. A frontcourt pairing of Robinson and DeMarcus Cousins will be nasty.

Ball Don’t Lie – A+ – Perfect pick, perfect timing. Robinson may never be an All-Star, but that’s what DeMarcus Cousins is for, and Robinson will be his brutal helper as the Kings try to bang their way back toward respectability.

Fox Sports – B – The Kings were at the bottom of the NBA in so many categories last season. They were a bad defensive team that did not share the ball or shoot it well. Robinson is not going to be able to help alleviate all their problems, but he should help them improve upon the 29th-ranked defensive rebounding percentage and gives them a boost at the power forward position going forward. One also has to hope that his focused, aggressive style of play rubs off on some of his teammates.

ESPN – A – (Insider subscription only)

As can be seen above, the Kings did about as well as they could in yesterday’s draft – a few B’s mixed in with a handful of A’s and A+’s across the board. There were some unhappy fans when the Kings traded their second round pick to the Indiana Pacers given the talent still left on the board, but with a nearly full roster (much if it filled with youth) there wasn’t a lot of room for another incoming bench project. Many expect the money brought over in the trade to be put towards the contracts of either Jason Thompson or Terrence Williams, so the loss of the pick doesn’t sting nearly as bad as first expected.

Now, pertaining to Thomas Robinson, in my personal opinion the Kings really couldn’t have done any better. While I was a very big (and still am) fan of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, I really did not expect him to fall to the Kings at five, so in a way, MKG going to Charlotte at number two was the lucky break Sacramento needed.

Needing an NBA-ready talent, Robinson fits perfectly with Sacramento as he quite possibly was the most impact ready player in the draft. At 21, he does have a few more years of experience when compared to players like the number one overall pick, Anthony Davis, and should be able to make an immediate impact for the Kings – something many other picks will struggle to do on their respective clubs. In addition to the NBA ready skill set, Robinson also comes with an unteachable motor only rivaled by Charlotte’s Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Skills can be taught, intangibles can not – and that’s really where Robinson sets himself apart from so many others. With an unrelentless desire for the game and a nose for the ball, Robinson’s tireless work ethic will be well received within the Kingdom where effort and hustle are appreciated at the highest of levels. He still has some areas that need a bit of polish (jumper/some post moves) but his domination on the glass combined with his gritty defensive abilities, desire to bang in the paint and occasional high flying acts will make him a fan favorite soon as he steps foot onto the court.

It was an ideal fit for both Robinson and Sacramento – a perfect pairing, if there ever was one.

We’ll be covering Robinson’s highlights tomorrow, so make sure to check back.