Why the OKC Thunder Need to Give Nate Robinson Another Chance and More Minutes

According to a few reports, the Oklahoma City Thunder appear poised to buy out the contract of third-string point guard Nate Robinson. They should reconsider this decision and give him another chance.

For some reason when I think of Nate Robinson, I still think of him being the Donkey to Glen "Big Baby" Davis' Shrek. He seemed to fit so well into bench role with the Boston Celtics, which was surprising, considering that he seemed to be a guy with a few character issues. He settled nicely but didn't make enough of an impact to stay long in Boston. After just a season with the Celts, he was shipped off to Oklahoma City in the Jeff Green-Kendrick Perkins trade.

In Oklahoma City, he appeared to enjoy himself (something he seems to do just about everywhere), but he had to be unhappy with his playing time. He's only 27 years old and has averaged double figures as a starting point guard in the league, despite his diminutive physical presence at 5'9".

This deal appears to have mutual consent, but both parties need to reconsider.

The Thunder have a valuable piece in Robinson that could bring some sort of trade value. Even if it's just a draft pick, they should at least explore that option.

However, I assume that they have explored that option, as this organization is always looking for sly moves to make their team better.

The move they should make is keeping Robinson.

Why?

Insurance on three young point guards.

Westbrook is clearly a star, but his character has been under heavy fire and if he doesn't re-sign with the Thunder, he may be trade bait. Plus, injuries are always possible, especially for a guy like Westbrook who plays above the rim. Eric Maynor is the backup on the team, but has never started and is not (yet) starting point guard material. No one knows what rookie Reggie Jackson will bring to the table.

If Westbrook were to get injured, Robinson would actually be a good replacement in the starting lineup. He can provide an offensive punch, wouldn't take shots from Durant and is a veteran who has been a starter before. Even if Thunder coach Scott Brooks decided to start Maynor instead, Robinson would still be solid with the second unit.

Robinson is a talented guy and that hasn't changed. Even in a situation where no one is hurt, Robinson could still contribute a solid 10-15 minutes per game with the second unit, which would allow James Harden to play more minutes with the first team. That's something that it seems everyone is lobbying for.

(Sidenote: Eric Pennell wrote a nice article on James Harden and whether he should start this season.)

Robinson also is just plain fun to watch. Thunder fans like Robinson, both when he gets in the game and when he's over on the bench cheering. He just makes the game more fun.

Anyway, the Thunder have a decision to make, and it appears the organization has already made up its mind. Robinson will be bought out and will sign with another team before the season starts.

However, maybe someone in Thunder management will read this article (a guy can dream!) and take a second look at this guy. No player can make a positive impact on a team if they aren't given the chance.