T-Rob wants to focus on rebounding

[MickZagger]

http://www2.kusports.com/news/2013/aug/18/thomas-robinson-recharged-settled-after-rocky-rook/

 

[HailBlazers]

Great piece, repped MickTweaker

 

[Natebishop3]

I think the guy could easily average 10 boards a game with enough playing time. 10 and 10 is definitely something he could achieve, and anything above that is gravy as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Draco]

I think the guy could easily average 10 boards a game with enough playing time. 10 and 10 is definitely something he could achieve, and anything above that is gravy as far as I'm concerned.

Only 8 players in the league averaged double digit boards last year. Thomas’ rebounding looks special but he probably needs to start alongside LA or in place of him to achieve that.

 

[THE HCP]

^What he said. Double digit rebound average ain't easy FAMS. JJ was putting in work last season.

 

[Natebishop3]

Only 8 players in the league averaged double digit boards last year. Thomas’ rebounding looks special but he probably needs to start alongside LA or in place of him to achieve that.

Sorry, I wasn't clear. I'm not really saying this season. I don't think he'll play nearly enough do it this season, but I think he will eventually average 10 boards per game. The dude has a serious nose for the ball.

 

[Boob-No-More]

For a bench player, having one valuable skill (rebounding stud, lock down defender, 3-point specialist) is a great way to earn minutes. And that's exactly what Robinson needs to do to develop his other skills against NBA competition. Rebound like a fiend and he will get minutes both behind and beside Aldridge. This is what I've been saying ever since summer league started - Robinson needs to focus on rebounding to EARN the PT that will help his overall game develop.

Yeah, I can't remember the last time a bench player averaged 10 rpg*. It isn't likely TRob will get enough PT to average double digit rebounds. So, I'd look more at his TRB%. If he can be around 20, (JJ was 3rd in the league at 20.7 last season), that would make him an elite level rebounder.

* Reggie Evans averaged 11.1 RPG last season. He started 56 games, so not really a bench player, but only played 24.6 MPG. Of course, in order to average 11.1 RPG in only 24.6 MPG, he posted the second highest TRB% in the history of the league (Dennis Rodman previously had the top 7 spots all to himself). So, for TRob to average double digit boards, he'd need to get around 24 MPG and be one of the greatest rebounders in the history of the league. I don't see either of those things happening, let alone both - at least not this season.

BNM

 

[magnifier661]

I think he will be the new "Brian grant" level player for this team. He may not fill the stat sheets up, but the eye test will prove just how valuable he could be.

The difference between this team and sac queens is they used him poorly. We just need a PF to play at a level enough to avoid logging Aldridge heavy minutes. I see him sliding to 5 at times and possibly some 3. He should get around 20 mpg

 

[Sedatedfork]

T-Rob also feels wanted here. I have big hopes for him in Portland. I think he has a good attitude. He just needs the right environment and hopefully he has an opportunity with the Blazers to put it all together.

 

[Denny Crane]

"Robinson hit 43 percent of his shots and 52.3 percent of his free throws for the Kings and Rockets"

You'd hope for more than just rebounding from the #5 pick in the draft, but it wasn't the Blazers' pick that was used on him.

I don't think Reggie Evans was drafted.

 

[HailBlazers]

You'd hope for more than just rebounding from the #5 pick in the draft, but it wasn't the Blazers' pick that was used on him.

The point is that he needs to focus on his strengths (rebounding/hustle) in order to open up other parts of his game. He's definitely got the potential to be on the level of a Paul Millsap vs. a Reggie Evans.

 

[Denny Crane]

The point is that he needs to focus on his strengths (rebounding/hustle) in order to open up other parts of his game. He's definitely got the potential to be on the level of a Paul Millsap vs. a Reggie Evans.

I think it was a terrific signing. A guy worth the #5 pick. Rebounding is a fine skill that JJ had, right? I think we hope he turns out to be a LOT more than Evans.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

"Robinson hit 43 percent of his shots and 52.3 percent of his free throws for the Kings and Rockets"

You'd hope for more than just rebounding from the #5 pick in the draft, but it wasn't the Blazers' pick that was used on him.

I don't think Reggie Evans was drafted.

Just a reminder: Tyrus Thomas was the #4 pick in the draft.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

Just a reminder: Tyrus Thomas was the #4 pick in the draft.

It's funny to think that we got the best player of that draft, and that player wasn't Brandon Roy.

 

[Denny Crane]

Just a reminder: Tyrus Thomas was the #4 pick in the draft.

A moronic pick. The Bulls had an actual need at PF and drafted LMA. They wanted Tyrus because they thought he had ridiculous upside.

I don't think this is a similar situation at all.

 

[magnifier661]

"Robinson hit 43 percent of his shots and 52.3 percent of his free throws for the Kings and Rockets"

You'd hope for more than just rebounding from the #5 pick in the draft, but it wasn't the Blazers' pick that was used on him.

I don't think Reggie Evans was drafted.

As much as I would agree with you about the #5 pick; we weren't the ones drafting him and made that mistake. The reality is we got him for nothing but cap space. So to us, he is about as valuable as a free agent signing or bringing in a mid MLE level player. And those players are the "role specific" types that are three point shooters, defenders and rebounders.

 

[magnifier661]

A moronic pick. The Bulls had an actual need at PF and drafted LMA. They wanted Tyrus because they thought he had ridiculous upside.

I don't think this is a similar situation at all.

Well you always can look at the bright side. I doubt you would have landed Rose and got a unprotected first rounder from one of the shittiest franchises in basketball.

 

[Denny Crane]

The guy shot over 50% and near 70% FTs in college, align with 17/11.

Those would be really good goals for him as a pro, IMO.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

As much as I would agree with you about the #5 pick; we weren't the ones drafting him and made that mistake. The reality is we got him for nothing but cap space. So to us, he is about as valuable as a free agent signing or bringing in a mid MLE level player. And those players are the "role specific" types that are three point shooters, defenders and rebounders.

I agree with a lot of this. I think Sacramento made T-Rob feel wanted by drafting him at 5. Problem is what came along with being wanted was high expectations as the #5 pick.

Now being bounced around twice, the expectations have dropped. Now there isn't as much expected and if he make a positive contribution and find a niche with the team, that is enough.

A humble and hungry energy player (even if not proven yet) is a good player to have on a bench

 

[jlprk]

Instead of this 2-year project, we could have had Hickson for only $5 million.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Instead of this 2-year project, we could have had Hickson for only $5 million.

Does JJ know his role is at back up PF? He may end up starting with Denver, but the fact that no one offered him more than 5 million tells me we are not the only ones to think that is his best role.

I don't think he is quite ready to accept that. Especially if he stayed with Portland where he did start. So he may be a 2 year project too until he mentally accepts his role. At which point I think he will be good at it.

My belief is that is that TRob understands his situation. He needs to work his butt off to get any minutes at the 4. Rebounding and playing defense is his ticket right now. So for that reason he is a better fit for the Blazers this year.

 

[mook]

One guy is hungry for a starting job and glory. The other guy is hungry just to stay in the league after getting dumped by two teams as a rookie.

Zach Randolph showed that sometimes you have to get moved around a couple times before you understand your true value. Robinson is a much better fit for us this coming year having just been through that.

 

[Boob-No-More]

I think the point is moot. Once we acquired Robin Lopez, it was obvious J.J. wouldn't be starting. I doubt it he would have accepted $5 million a year to come back here knowing he'd never have a chance to start.

BNM

 

[The_Lillard_King]

According to Hickson, he thought LA would be gone by end of yr if not earlier.

I think the Blazers thought Hickson was going to get a much bigger contract and didn't want to pay a back up PF big bucks . . . so they went with T-Rob instead (but who knows). I would rather have Hickson (could play back up center too), but am excited to see what T-Rob can do.

 

[jlprk]

Does JJ know his role is at back up PF?...I don't think he is quite ready to accept that... So he may be a 2 year project too until he mentally accepts his role.

Speculation. He wanted to remain a Blazer.

One guy is hungry for a starting job and glory. The other guy is hungry just to stay in the league after getting dumped by two teams as a rookie.

Zach Randolph showed that sometimes you have to get moved around a couple times before you understand your true value. Robinson is a much better fit for us this coming year having just been through that.

Thinking only of glory is what got Robinson traded twice. Interesting how it's a negative that Hickson was on 2 teams before us, but a positive for Robinson.

I think the point is moot. Once we acquired Robin Lopez, it was obvious J.J. wouldn't be starting. I doubt it he would have accepted $5 million a year to come back here knowing he'd never have a chance to start.

Speculation. Management didn't ask.

I think the Blazers thought Hickson was going to get a much bigger contract and didn't want to pay a back up PF big bucks . . . so they went with T-Rob instead (but who knows). I would rather have Hickson (could play back up center too), but am excited to see what T-Rob can do.

Ding ding ding! Under the now-disproven, unverified assumption that Hickson demanded to start, Olshey regressed us a couple of years. Maybe by then Robinson will surpass Hickson. Maybe he'll never get close.

 

[magnifier661]

According to Hickson, he thought LA would be gone by end of yr if not earlier.

I think the Blazers thought Hickson was going to get a much bigger contract and didn't want to pay a back up PF big bucks . . . so they went with T-Rob instead (but who knows). I would rather have Hickson (could play back up center too), but am excited to see what T-Rob can do.

Personally, I would rather have T. Rob because he seems like a + positive type rebounder. Also, it seems T. Rob will be more of a defensive type PF. I am a fan of defense.

 

[mook]

Thinking only of glory is what got Robinson traded twice. Interesting how it's a negative that Hickson was on 2 teams before us, but a positive for Robinson.

I don't necessarily think it was a negative that Hickson had been given up on before much like people did with Robinson. In fact, I think Hickson is a great model for Robinson on how a PF can resurrect his career by just focusing on what he does well. Hopefully with Robinson it isn't just rebounding but also defense.

 

[Mediocre Man]

I will never get what some of you saw in Hickson that would make you want him back. The guy not only doesn't know how to play defense, but refuses to play defense too.

 

[-Ace-]

T-Rob will bring all of the rebounding ability Hickson has and more. We'll get at least what we got out of Hickson. Any defense will be a bonus and hopefully he can put some shots in the basket when called upon.

 

[Boob-No-More]

I will never get what some of you saw in Hickson that would make you want him back. The guy not only doesn't know how to play defense, but refuses to play defense too.

Yep, the VERY first time Thomas Robinson gets a defensive stop will be one more time than J.J. Hickson did all last season. Robinson will rebound as well as Hickson, play much better defense and score as much. But, he'll be doing it as a back-up power forward, not a starting center.

Hickson will be fine backing up Faried, where is defensive deficiencies won't be as glaring. In his place, we have a guy who is younger, cheaper, willing to play defense and is eager to bust his ass to prove he belongs in the league. Works for me.

BNM