THOMAS ROBINSON A BLAZER

[Mediocre Man]

Yes, and we have pad others very well too. But no matter how much you pay, you have to know who to hire. I trust Olshey completely, but not sure yet about Stotts.

Olshey hired Stotts, so if you don't trust Stotts, you don't trust Neil

 

[handiman]

Why? Its not like KU has a recent history of good NBA big men.

But their bigs play much bigger in college than in the pros. Maybe Manning has them playing well above their head?

 

[Boise Blazer]

Mike Rice ‏@mikerice6 38s
Now that we can talk about f.a. I have never seen such a physical player on the blazers in my yrs like Robinson. He could be special

 

[Mediocre Man]

Mike Rice ‏@mikerice6 38s
Now that we can talk about f.a. I have never seen such a physical player on the blazers in my yrs like Robinson. He could be special

I posted this in a summer league thread as well. Rice has been here since 91'. That means he has seen Buck, Grant, etc. Exciting

 

[HailBlazers]

Awesome to hear, indeed. Really hoping he makes us forget about the Maninmal. He could bring exactly what this team is missing, some true grit.

 

[Boise Blazer]

Sounds like it is all just mentally understanding his role and the NBA game. If he can be even half of what his projected ceiling was coming out of Kansas ...

 

[Natebishop3]

I'm just tired of people talking about the guy like he was cast off by two teams.

He wasn't.

The first team was the fucking Kings... let's not give them more credit than they deserve. It's not an organization that is known for great decision making of late.

The Rockets would have kept Robinson. Daryl Morey said as much. It's not like they gave up on him. They had to dump him so they could sign, arguably, the best center in the league. I think we got a real steal in Robinson and I think people are vastly underrating this move. If we had traded for Robinson last summer people would have been freaking out. Nothing has changed. He's still the same guy. He just needs a chance and I think we can give it to him. I would rather see Robinson get minutes over signing another big like Brandon Wright. I want to see Robinson get at least 20 minutes per game. I don't care if that comes from him backing up Aldridge, or playing with him at times. It needs to happen.

 

[Boise Blazer]

I'm just tired of people talking about the guy like he was cast off by two teams.

He wasn't.

The first team was the fucking Kings... let's not give them more credit than they deserve. It's not an organization that is known for great decision making of late.

The Rockets would have kept Robinson. Daryl Morey said as much. It's not like they gave up on him. They had to dump him so they could sign, arguably, the best center in the league. I think we got a real steal in Robinson and I think people are vastly underrating this move. If we had traded for Robinson last summer people would have been freaking out. Nothing has changed. He's still the same guy. He just needs a chance and I think we can give it to him. I would rather see Robinson get minutes over signing another big like Brandon Wright. I want to see Robinson get at least 20 minutes per game. I don't care if that comes from him backing up Aldridge, or playing with him at times. It needs to happen.

Agreed and I would add that just because he didnt develop as fast as Lillard did for example and in 2 crappy situations does not mean that his development will not happen at the rate that most rookies with good coaching and opportunities develop (2-3 years).

I think we have been a little spoiled with Lillard, which by the way is fine by me I just dont think its fair to hold the 99% to those standards.

 

[Boise Blazer]

Mike Rice ‏@mikerice6 3m
"@The_Total_Pkg: @mikerice6 Is T Rob practicing yet? Any first impressions?"as long as he knows his role as a banger in side player

Mike Rice ‏@mikerice6 1m
"@RipCitySwayze07: @mikerice6 who would you compare t rob to?"I hope Reggie Evans

Mike Rice ‏@mikerice6 47s
"@MichaelHustad: @mikerice6 Brian Grant? Buck Williams? Kkersey?"buck williams

 

[Natebishop3]

Mike Rice ‏@mikerice6 3m
"@The_Total_Pkg: @mikerice6 Is T Rob practicing yet? Any first impressions?"as long as he knows his role as a banger in side player

Mike Rice ‏@mikerice6 1m
"@RipCitySwayze07: @mikerice6 who would you compare t rob to?"I hope Reggie Evans

Mike Rice ‏@mikerice6 47s
"@MichaelHustad: @mikerice6 Brian Grant? Buck Williams? Kkersey?"buck williams

Reggie Evans? Gross.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Mike Rice ‏@mikerice6 12m
"@JasonMCobb: @mikerice6 @Trobinson0 reminds me a lot of Otis Thorpe. Do you see the resemblance?"good comparison

I like this way better than the Evans comparison. So we have a Buck Williams and an Otis Thorpe comparison. I'll take that any day

 

[Natebishop3]

Mike Rice ‏@mikerice6 12m
"@JasonMCobb: @mikerice6 @Trobinson0 reminds me a lot of Otis Thorpe. Do you see the resemblance?"good comparison

I like this way better than the Evans comparison. So we have a Buck Williams and an Otis Thorpe comparison. I'll take that any day

Most definitely. I can't stand Evans.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

I'm just tired of people talking about the guy like he was cast off by two teams.

He wasn't.

The first team was the fucking Kings... let's not give them more credit than they deserve. It's not an organization that is known for great decision making of late.

The Rockets would have kept Robinson. Daryl Morey said as much. It's not like they gave up on him. They had to dump him so they could sign, arguably, the best center in the league. I think we got a real steal in Robinson and I think people are vastly underrating this move. If we had traded for Robinson last summer people would have been freaking out. Nothing has changed. He's still the same guy. He just needs a chance and I think we can give it to him. I would rather see Robinson get minutes over signing another big like Brandon Wright. I want to see Robinson get at least 20 minutes per game. I don't care if that comes from him backing up Aldridge, or playing with him at times. It needs to happen.

OK, I have nothing wrong with that train of thought. But the fact two teams basically let him go has to factor into his analysis, somewhere, does't it?

I know the Kings haven't made the best decisions, but they have had the best opportunity to evaluate him. Given the way they have dealt with Cousins, if Sac thought he had talent, even if head case, they would have kept him. Doesn't automatically mean T-Rob can't develop into something special, but is at least a factor to consider.

Houston does it to get Dwight, what team wouldn't? But Houston made it known early they were shopping T-Rob (really showing little interest in him after getting a chance to evaluate him, they traded T_Rob with no guarantee Howard goes to Houston). But more telling to me is the best Houston could get was 2 2nd round picks. Doesn't seem like there was much of a market for him.

So while I'm excited about another young player joining the roster, I don't think the analysis of T-Rob should be the same as last year. A lot has happened in a year and to just label him as the #5 pick in a strong draft isn't putting realistic expectations on him, IMO.

 

[Boise Blazer]

OK, I have nothing wrong with that train of thought. But the fact two teams basically let him go has to factor into his analysis, somewhere, does't it?

I know the Kings haven't made the best decisions, but they have had the best opportunity to evaluate him. Given the way they have dealt with Cousins, if Sac thought he had talent, even if head case, they would have kept him. Doesn't automatically mean T-Rob can't develop into something special, but is at least a factor to consider.

Houston does it to get Dwight, what team wouldn't? But Houston made it known early they were shopping T-Rob (really showing little interest in him after getting a chance to evaluate him, they traded T_Rob with no guarantee Howard goes to Houston). But more telling to me is the best Houston could get was 2 2nd round picks. Doesn't seem like there was much of a market for him.

So while I'm excited about another young player joining the roster, I don't think this the analysis of T-Rob should be the same as last year. A lot has happened in a year and to just label him as the #5 pick in a strong draft isn't putting realistic expectations on him, IMO.

However, I think the Kings had higher hopes for what kind of player they wanted him to be. Both in being more of a franchise importance player as well changing his game and making him into something that he isnt.

The Blazers on the other hand do want want nor do I think expect him to be a franchise type player. And I also suspect that they arent going to try to make him a jump shooter.

So as long as there is an understanding of what the Blazers really want and need out of him I think his chances for success are so much higher here than in Sac. And to me Houston almost doesnt count given they had him for half of his first season.

 

[3RA1N1AC]

Trob can step right into hicksons role no prob, but better. Basically we have Hickson on the bench instead of as a starting center...which is a good thing imo

 

[BlazerCaravan]

Trob can step right into hicksons role no prob, but better. Basically we have Hickson on the bench instead of as a starting center...which is a good thing imo

It is known, Khalissi.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

However, I think the Kings had higher hopes for what kind of player they wanted him to be. Both in being more of a franchise importance player as well changing his game and making him into something that he isnt.

The Blazers on the other hand do want want nor do I think expect him to be a franchise type player. And I also suspect that they arent going to try to make him a jump shooter.

So as long as there is an understanding of what the Blazers really want and need out of him I think his chances for success are so much higher here than in Sac. And to me Houston almost doesnt count given they had him for half of his first season.

I agree that I think his highest chance for success is here. I also have hopes of him coming in and contributing early with some toughness. I just don't expect to see someone come in a make a big impact the way one would think a #5 pick in last year's draft would. I would be happy with 10-15 minutes of positive contribution (given rookie mistakes) . . . but for me, that isn't even a given.

 

[PapaG]

I'm just tired of people talking about the guy like he was cast off by two teams.

He wasn't.

The first team was the fucking Kings... let's not give them more credit than they deserve. It's not an organization that is known for great decision making of late.

The Rockets would have kept Robinson. Daryl Morey said as much. It's not like they gave up on him. They had to dump him so they could sign, arguably, the best center in the league. I think we got a real steal in Robinson and I think people are vastly underrating this move. If we had traded for Robinson last summer people would have been freaking out. Nothing has changed. He's still the same guy. He just needs a chance and I think we can give it to him. I would rather see Robinson get minutes over signing another big like Brandon Wright. I want to see Robinson get at least 20 minutes per game. I don't care if that comes from him backing up Aldridge, or playing with him at times. It needs to happen.

Why? He was literally traded by two teams in the last year. Does that fact bother you a lot that you have to try and spin it?

 

[Nikolokolus]

Mike Rice ‏@mikerice6 38s
Now that we can talk about f.a. I have never seen such a physical player on the blazers in my yrs like Robinson. He could be special

I know Rice gets made fun of because he talks like he hides a bottle under the announcers table, but I think he tells it like he sees it. I hope his instincts are on, that'd be great.

 

[Draco]

TRob was the player I wanted us to draft after the Brow. I'm stocked we got him and I still expect big things. By the end of the year I think he could be one of our 5 best players and deserve so much playing time we play LaMarcus extended minutes at Center. With Thomas' rebounding and LaMarcus height we will have a heck of a lineup.

 

[Eastoff]

It can't be nards because there is a d in nards, and Meyers game has no D

Oooooh!

 

[Reep]

My only concern is that we haven't heard anything from him yet. I know they couldn't talk about it until yesterday, and he is probably making is plans to move out, but it would be nice to hear Robinson talk about his new team and how he is ready to beast it up.

 

[Boise Blazer]

My only concern is that we haven't heard anything from him yet. I know they couldn't talk about it until yesterday, and he is probably making is plans to move out, but it would be nice to hear Robinson talk about his new team and how he is ready to beast it up.

I know you meant from him via say twitter or whatever but this is something I guess

Trail Blazers ‏@pdxtrailblazers 5m
We'll be introducing our summer acquisitions (Lopez, Robinson, Wright, and Watson) today at 2 PM #RipCity

Trail Blazers ‏@pdxtrailblazers 5m
The press conference will be streamed LIVE on http://trailblazers.com #RipCity

 

[Draco]

I'm not really going to discount his value much at all from the Kings trade; they had agreed on a price to sell the team but were still paying for operations so they wanted to do anything they could to save payroll dollars, talent be damned. They would've traded DeMarcus or Tyrke away if it also saved them a few million.

I will agree the trade away from the Rockets is concerning since no other teams were offering more than us. I heard our Greek was worth a late first round pick and we gave salary relief so if you add those up with the other prospect and 2nd rounders perhaps thats worth a late teens 1st round pick? I'm hoping since his value had appeared artificially low in the Kings trade it caused all teams to be unnecessarily cautious. If it weren't for these trades I'd be doing absolute backflips over Thomas; as is I'll just be very happily optimistic with a tiny bit of celebratory restraint.

 

[Natebishop3]

OK, I have nothing wrong with that train of thought. But the fact two teams basically let him go has to factor into his analysis, somewhere, does't it?

I know the Kings haven't made the best decisions, but they have had the best opportunity to evaluate him. Given the way they have dealt with Cousins, if Sac thought he had talent, even if head case, they would have kept him. Doesn't automatically mean T-Rob can't develop into something special, but is at least a factor to consider.

Houston does it to get Dwight, what team wouldn't? But Houston made it known early they were shopping T-Rob (really showing little interest in him after getting a chance to evaluate him, they traded T_Rob with no guarantee Howard goes to Houston). But more telling to me is the best Houston could get was 2 2nd round picks. Doesn't seem like there was much of a market for him.

So while I'm excited about another young player joining the roster, I don't think the analysis of T-Rob should be the same as last year. A lot has happened in a year and to just label him as the #5 pick in a strong draft isn't putting realistic expectations on him, IMO.

You give the Kings way too much credit. This is the team that waived JJ Hickson..... that means they got NOTHING for him. They also have an abundance of young post players. I really wouldn't give much credence to the Kings' talent evaluation.

I also think you underestimate how sure the Rockets were that they were getting Dwight. It was pretty much a sure thing, and most people "in the know" said so from day one. Dude wanted out of LA and the Rockets presented the best option to win.

Also, you said 2 second round picks was the best they could get.... that's what they wanted. They couldn't bring back anything in return. They needed the cap space.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

Absolutely, Nate.

If one makes the extreme argument that he was traded for a couple of 2nd rounders, another extreme argument could be made the other way... he was traded for Dwight Howard.

The truth of course is somewhere in the middle.

Two quick facts:
Houston wanted to keep him.
He's a high caliber NBA rebounder right now.

You give the Kings way too much credit. This is the team that waived JJ Hickson..... that means they got NOTHING for him. They also have an abundance of young post players. I really wouldn't give much credence to the Kings' talent evaluation.

I also think you underestimate how sure the Rockets were that they were getting Dwight. It was pretty much a sure thing, and most people "in the know" said so from day one. Dude wanted out of LA and the Rockets presented the best option to win.

Also, you said 2 second round picks was the best they could get.... that's what they wanted. They couldn't bring back anything in return. They needed the cap space.

 

[Natebishop3]

Why? He was literally traded by two teams in the last year. Does that fact bother you a lot that you have to try and spin it?

Okay, so you think he was traded twice in the last year because he is a bad player?

 

[Boise Blazer]

Mike Tokito ‏@mtokito 3m
W/Kings in Jan, Thomas Robinson had 12, 10 and 10 rebounds in consecutive games while playing 21, 13 and 24 minutes. #Blazers

 

[BlazerCaravan]

Okay, so you think he was traded twice in the last year because he is a bad player?

Indeed; between March of 2011 and March of 2012, JJ Hickson played for Cleveland, Sacramento, and Portland. I think we can probably agree that Sacto is kind of lousy at evaluating and growing young talent.

Thomas Robinson may end up being a limited player, a blunt instrument. But that doesn't mean he's not useful in the right situation. I see no reason not to go for it.

 

[crandc]

Well... give it a few months and we'll all know.