Celtics Can't Afford To Lose Its Wildcard
After the announcement in February that New York Knicks Nate Robinson would be joining Doc River's squad in efforts to help the Celtics win another championship, I was one of the many New Yorkers who were thrilled for the 3-Time winner of the Slam Dunk contest.
Robinson made a name for himself serving as a point guard in the Big Apple and was known as the "Hypeman", the "Wildcard" and for hitting big shots. Even though the player has talent and charisma, his dreams of adding a title to his NBA resume was uncertain.
On February 18, 2010, Robinson was traded to the Boston Celtics along with Marcus Laundry in exchange for Eddie House. "I was surprised to hear that Nate would be traded to the Celtics, but relieved that he found a team more fit for winning the championship" says Alamin Saleh, a sophomore at Temple University.
Though Robinson had limited playing time during the playoffs, he had an impressive performance against Orlando where he scored 13 points in the second quarter of Game 6 in the Eastern Conference finals, leading the Celtics to a 96-84 win over the Magic on their home floor. Another all star performance was displayed in Game 4 of the Finals, he scored 12 points in 17 minutes as the Celtics took down the Lakers to even the series at 2-2.
When Nate wasn’t knocking 3’s and long 2 pointers on the Court, he was cheering his teammates on the sidelines as their biggest supporter. “Each game he brings excitement to fans of TD Garden and is a key player to Team Green” says Niaya West, a freshman at St. Bonaventure University. His energy and shooting ability is needed if the Celtics want to compete in the Finals next season.
According to NESN sources, Robinson signed a contract with a maximum salary of $6 million. Money is not an issue in Doc's house and with the failure to re-sign Guard Tony Allen, Celtics cannot afford to lose another contributor.
Many believe that the 2009-2010 season was the last chance for Celtics to win a title, but I beg to differ. With superior coaching skills from Doc Rivers and the Fantastic Four - Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Rajon Rondo, there is still hope for all those who bred Green and White.
As for the 26-year old Point Guard who has yet to win a championship, his sportsmanship and positive attitude shows his willingness to do what it takes to help the Celtics win.
In Boston, his dreams await.
