Sacramento Kings Draft Profiles: Thomas Robinson

Thomas Robinson
Power Forward, 6’9″, 244 lbs.
Junior, University of Kansas
21 years old
Thomas Robinson Highlights

2011-12 Stats: 17.7 PPG (50.5% FG, 68.2% FT, 50.0% 3FG (7-14)), 11.9 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 2.7 TOPG

STRENGTHS: Strong, quick, relentless…Thomas Robinson is a bulldog who attacks the game of basketball. Kansas coach Bill Self compares T-Rob to Paul Millsap, making note of his tremendous desire to get the basketball. As a rebounder, Robinson grades out as probably the best in this class, using his strong base, chiseled upper body, long arms and constant motor to chase down many loose balls. Offensively, Robinson has become a threat inside and out. His combination of quickness and power, to go with an above average ability to handle the ball for a man of his size, makes him a tough cover for most interior players. He shows solid footwork on both ends. With his strength, Robinson also excels as a post defender. Robinson has a passion for the game, willing to mix it up and give his all on every possession.

WEAKNESSES: It’s rare when you can say a guy who averaged 17 PPG needs to improve his offense, but it’s the truth. Robinson, while making great strides, is still an unpolished player both in the low and high post. His jumper is not automatic and Robinson is not dominant in the post, still needing to master some basic moves to improve his game. With just one season as the go-to guy, Robinson also needs to work on passing out of the double team and finding the open man. This skill will also help him work out of the high post, the way Sacramento likes to often play. On defense, Robinson is not much of a shot-blocker, preferring to body guys up rather than play for the swat.

HOW HE’D FIT WITH THE KINGS: Stick him next to DeMarcus Cousins and let the big dogs eat. Robinson would likely begin as a bench player behind a re-signed Jason Thompson. But JT, DMC and T-Rob are interchangeable, and Robinson has the skill set to move Thompson into a more favorable 3rd big man role rather quickly. Robinson’s versatility offensively makes him a nice complement for DMC — if Cousins goes into the post, Robinson pops out, and vice versa. On the offensive end, Robinson really grades out as a near perfect fit for Sacramento — he runs the floor, shows improved ability in the post and with the jumper. As far as rebounding, the only disappointment will be for fantasy owners, as Cousins and Robinson, both relentless on the glass, may be fighting each other for boards. There would be no shot-blocking presence in that group; instead the Kings would rely on a rugged, physical defense and hope the guards keep their men out of the key.

APPROVAL: Yes. I love JT as much as the next Kings fan, but power forward is a position the Kings must improve to take the next step as a franchise. Robinson really is an ideal candidate, and guys with his strength, athleticism and passion don’t come along that often. It’s exciting to think of him next to Cousins, two beasts roaming the paint and exerting their power for years to come.

WHERE HE GOES: Teams at the top of drafts don’t typically pass on power forwards who average 17/12 for a major college program. As such, Robinson will get consideration from Charlotte at No. 2, and he fills an opening for Washington (3) should they elect to go big. Cleveland (4) may look to the perimeter with last year’s selection of Tristan Thompson, but it’s hard to see Robinson sliding past the Kings at No. 5 should he make it that far.

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