NBA Free Agency 2016: 5 Targets for Los Angeles Clippers
By Jaylyn Cook
5. Thomas Robinson (PF)
“Reboot” has become a major watchword within the Hollywood film industry in recent years, and if there’s one position on the Clippers’ roster that could benefit from a complete overhaul next season, it would be the power forward.
The 2015-2016 season featured Griffin in the starting four slot and the likes of Jeff Ayres and Luc Mbah a Moute following him off the bench. For lack of a stronger, more technical term, that’s pretty lame. Colin Farrell’s Total Recall lame, if we’re going to keep this whole reboot theme going.
Robinson is coming off a stint as a serviceable member of the Brooklyn Nets’ bench mob – averaging 12 minutes, 4.3 points on 44 percent shooting, and 5. 1 rebounds per game. While those stats aren’t really much different than what Ayres or Mbah a Moute could put up for any NBA team, Robinson has the advantage on those two based on his age and potential.
He’s only 25 years old, which is shocking based on the fact that he’s already played for five different teams (FIVE!) during his NBA career. Finding the perfect mixture of seasoned veterans and determined, yet unproven players like Robinson will be a catalyst for the Clippers when they square up against conference competitors like Portland, the Golden State Warriors, and the up-and-coming Minnesota Timberwolves.
Robinson may not be able to perform under the expectations that come with being a former top-10 draftee, but he’s got the athleticism, the fundamentals, and the small ball body to make an immediate impact as a member of the Clippers’ roster. Also, it doesn’t hurt that he’s relatively affordable either.
Next: 4. Leandro Barbosa