NBA Rookie Draft Ranking and Fantasy Outlook: Thomas Robinson
Jul 2, 2012 Power Forward Updates
The Sacramento Kings selected Thomas Robinson with the fifth pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.
Robinson’s career stats at Kansas:
105 Games, 9.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, .7 blocks, .6 steals, 52.4 FG%, 60.5 FT%
Fantasy Advice: The Kings needed some size to pair with DeMarcus Cousins and they got just that in the 6’9 power forward from Kansas. Robinson is a very high character guy and will hopefully pair well with Cousins. The only fear here is that Cousins’ questionable attitude will rub off on Robinson or at least frustrate him somewhat. Hopefully, the coaching staff keeps an eye on the situation.
Robinson is also great human story, even outside the world of basketball. ESPN had an emotional feature on him that you can read HERE. If you watched the draft, you saw his little sister with him and you know the back story. If you don’t know the story, then definitely check out the article.
Robinson’s biggest fantasy contribution this season will be with his rebounding. The Kings were 29th in the league last season in defensive rebounding and Robinson should get an immediate shot at starting and improving that team rebounding figure. He’s not a great FT% shooter with a career 60.5 FT% in college, so he’ll have to work on that.
If you are looking for a late round keeper league power forward to pad the rebound category, Robinson is probably your guy. Just don’t expect much more than a one category boost in his first season as he won’t be asked to contribute much on the offensive end with guys like Cousins, Tyreke Evans, Isaiah Thomas and Marcus Thornton surrounding him.