Some might argue that without Nate Robinson, the Chicago Bulls don’t make it out of their first round series against the Brooklyn Nets. But Robinson was a third option at point guard to begin with, and all the scoring and late-game heroics in the world won’t change that fact that with Derrick Rose and Kirk Hinrich signed for next year, not to mention developing rookie point guard Marquis Teague, there’s not much of a future for him in Chicago.
Robinson led the Bulls in scoring during the postseason on more than one occasion, scoring 16.3 points per game, which include his late game heroics in game 1 of the series with the Miami Heat (finishing with 27 points and 9 assists). He also had a huge personal victory moment for him and other small guys by blocking LeBron James, but even his scoring ability in certain situations can’t change that he’s a defensive liability and a loose cannon on offense.
With the Bulls not having anyone else, it’s fine. But Robinson was also in charge of an 0-12 performance in game 4 as the Bulls were routed at home by the Heat. With Robinson getting limited minutes, you usually get him looking superior with his energy against second units. But with Robinson as a starting point guard, it’s hard seeing teams going very far. And the Bulls made the most out of their injured lineup, a lot thanks to him.
I would love to. Honestly, I really would, but knowing the guys we have here, I know it’s probably limited space for me. But we’ll see how it goes. Talk to my agent and stuff like that and figure out what’s the best plan for me. I love this team, I love these guys and if I could stay here, it would be wonderful.
This isn’t a salary issue. Robinson made $1.1 million last season, playing in his 8th NBA season for his sixth NBA team. Shortly before his 29th birthday, Robinson still hasn’t found a place, accept for his earlier years with the Knicks, in which he seems to do a good enough job on a consistent basis to get him signed on a long-term deal, or at least something that lasts more than one season.
Robinson, a two-time dunk contest champion, played more minutes this season than in all but two previous NBA seasons, but he did get to start (23 times in the regular seasons) more than ever before, averaging 13.1 points and 4.4 assists per game. He’ll surely find himself another team, but it’s not so certain he’ll find himself in a situation which allows him so much playing time like he got in the 2013 playoffs, averaging 33.7 minutes a night.