State of the Thunder: Where Does Nate Robinson Figure Into the Playoff Equation?

I want to start this article by saying that in all probability, Nate Robinson probably is just going to be the team's personal cheerleader, which is something he's actually pretty good at. That said, were he to get some playing time, which I think he deserves, Scottie Brooks could insert him in his some very intriguing line-ups.

Robinson and Eric Maynor:

This seems like the most likely of people Robinson would be playing with because of his lack of true point guard skills. Maynor runs the second team offense almost perfectly, so it's hard to imagine a scenario where Robinson ever takes over that spot. There is a chance that he could take minutes from Daequan Cook and team with Maynor, though, as he did in his only game with the Thunder that he saw significant minutes.

Against the Pacers, he was able to get eight minutes of play and put up six points and a rebound and assist apiece. Consider that in addition to his elite athleticism, he also has almost as much ability to hit the three point shot that Cook does.

It's not out of the realm of possibility to see him get minutes here. However, I don't see how substituting him for Cook really makes any real difference for the Thunder, so while this seems to be the most likely possibility, it's not the ideal one.

Robinson and Daequan Cook

Envision this scenario: The Thunder are down by 10-plus points, and Westbrook is in foul trouble. Do you go with the guy who knows the offense and runs it well (Maynor) or a guy who gives you a bigger risk, but can score in bunches if given the chance (Robinson)?

I'm not saying it would be an easy decision, but a combination of Robinson and Cook would give you a better chance to score points quickly. Some might say that would lack the defensive ability for this to be viable, but if you back them with Kevin Durant, Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins, that point is pretty much moot. This is obviously a situational line-up, but that doesn't make it less of an effective one.

Robinson and Russell Westbrook

At this point, you might think I'm crazy, but hear me out. On offense, you would have Westbrook playing the point guard with Robinson at the two, but on defense, you would flip their roles, negating most of the size issues associated with having both of these guys out there. Putting these two together could be dynamic on offense, as both of them have great ability to score, and their athleticism would serve them well on defense. Of course, it's a risky combination because of those same things, but I think the reward out weighs that.

Overall, I think this would be the best way to get Robinson in the game, and giving him 10 minutes or so a game alongside Westbrook could really light a fire under the Thunder as they enter the playoffs.

Again, I don't think that Robinson is ever going to really get playing time on a consistent basis, but he has the ability to put the ball in the hoop. Having him ride the pine seems like a bit of a waste, but given how well the Thunder bench has been playing, it's hard to find a reason to give more than the sparing minutes he gets right now.

Have any ideas as to how to get Robinson on the floor? Tell me about them in the comments.