Thomas Robinson: Best Possible Landing Spots for the Power Forward

Kansas’ Thomas Robinson will be a top-five pick in this year’s NBA draft, but certain situations will be better for him than others.

Next to Anthony Davis, Robinson is the best power forward in the draft. He averaged 17.7 points per game and was the nation’s second-leading rebounder with 11.9 boards a night.

At the combine, he was measured at just under 6’9” with a wingspan slightly over 7’3”, according to CBSSports.com.

He has the athleticism and mentality to succeed in the NBA, but landing with the right team will help him out immensely. Here are the three best scenarios for Robinson, in order.

Sacramento Kings, Pick No. 5

While many mock drafts have Robinson going at No. 2 to the Charlotte Bobcats, every pick after Davis is far from certain.

Sliding down to the Kings would be the ideal situation for the former Jayhawk. Pairing Robinson with DeMarcus Cousins would give Sacramento a young and talented frontcourt.

Cousins averaged 18.1 points and 11.0 rebounds per game last season. With Robinson playing the four and Cousins at the five, it will be extremely difficult for opposing teams to get rebounds against the Kings.

Nothing will benefit Robinson more than having a talented big man to play with, and Cousins is the best low-post player on any team in the top five.

Washington Wizards, Pick No. 3

Robinson may not start right away for the Wizards, but this would take pressure off of him and allow for a smoother transition to the pro game.

The Wizards have Nene and Emeka Okafor in the frontcourt and can use Robinson as a sixth man. However, both projected starters are 29 years old, so Robinson will have a chance to move off the bench in the next couple seasons if he performs well.

Robinson is more athletic and energetic than these two players, and he would bring a change of pace to the team. Speedy point guard John Wall will greatly appreciate Robinson’s ability to get up and down the floor.

If the Kansas star lands in Washington, he can take his time and develop his skills without immediate pressure to perform.

Cleveland Cavaliers, Pick No. 4

Robinson may have to compete for minutes with other young and talented frontcourt players on the Cavaliers, but any scenario is better than landing with the Bobcats.

The Cavs need help on the wing, but teams should always pick based on value instead of need this early in the draft. If the front office feels Robinson is a significantly better prospect than Harrison Barnes or Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, it should go with the Kansas product and address team needs in free agency. 

Robinson’s talents would be an excellent complement to reigning Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving. The power forward’s athleticism would make him a valuable weapon when Irving gets out on the fast break.

Robinson would be a good fit in Cleveland, although both Washington and Sacramento could provide better opportunities for him to develop and succeed.