Another prominent NBA player may be headed overseas. Nate Robinson hasn’t been able to secure a training camp invite so far, and now David Pick reports that the 5-foot-9 guard is considering an offer to play in China.
Source: Nate Robinson - with 648 NBA showings - mulling offer from Sichuan Blue Whales, China.
— David Pick (@IAmDPick) September 5, 2015
It’s been a rough couple of years for Robinson. His first season with the Nuggets, in 2013-14, was cut short by a torn ACL. He came back last year, but he was used as trade filler in January before being waived by the Celtics and signing a couple of 10-day contracts with the Clippers, who ultimately decided not to keep him around for the playoffs.
This disappointing end came after an impressive 10-year NBA career, which saw Robinson become a dunk-contest sensation in New York (he’s the only player ever to win it three times) and was an important contributor to the Bulls’ playoff run in 2013 while Derrick Rose was injured. But when you’re that small and rely almost entirely on athleticism to be effective, it can go overnight.
With that said, Robinson is going to do great in China, if he chooses to sign there. He fits the prototype of an explosive scoring guard who came over from the NBA and became a rock star in the CBA: Stephon Marbury, Bonzi Wells and Gilbert Arenas have all had phenomenal success there. Robinson is going to get buckets.