Thomas Robinson
If the Suns don’t sign Ish Smith, however, it might be because they seriously consider adding Thomas Robinson. Robinson was sent to the Denver Nuggets in the Arron Afflalo trade and quickly agreed to a buyout with his new team because he wanted an expanded role.
He might not find that in Phoenix, but then again, the Suns are pretty thin at the power forward position. They have the roster space to sign him and would be adding yet another 23-year-old looking for the right situation to maximize his potential.
Since being drafted fifth overall in the 2012 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings, Robinson hasn’t lived up to that potential. He’s already played for three different teams (and agreed to a buyout with a fourth) in three seasons in the NBA. His best season was his initial 51-game stint with the Kings, during which he averaged 4.8 points and 4.7 rebounds in 15.9 minutes per game.
But right now, the only true power forwards on the Suns’ roster are Markieff Morris…and that’s pretty much it. P.J. Tucker, Brandan Wright, Marcus Morris, T.J. Warren and Earl Barron could all technically log time at the four, but they’d ALL be playing out of position by doing so. Perhaps it’s time for a true backup power forward.
The Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat and New York Knicks were listed by ESPN’s Nick Borges as teams in need of frontcourt help who could be interested in Robinson’s services and athleticism.
But Robinson is practically considered the third Morris brother after playing with the twins at Kansas, and that close relationship might give the Suns an edge over other suitors if they seriously consider signing him (which they absolutely should).
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