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Toronto Raptors working out former top 5 pick Thomas Robinson

By Paul Taylor

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 05: Thomas Robinson #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a Laker foul during the second half of a 107-101 Utah Jazz win at Staples Center on December 5, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 05: Thomas Robinson #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a Laker foul during the second half of a 107-101 Utah Jazz win at Staples Center on December 5, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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According to a report from Sportsnet, the Toronto Raptors are working out several free agent big men, including former Laker Thomas Robinson.

If you mention the name Thomas Robinson to your average Toronto Raptors fans, the likelihood is it won’t really resonate. And with good reason.

However, Robinson is still an intriguing player worth paying some attention to. Especially in light of the latest speculation.

As per Dave Zarum of Sportsnet, the Raptors are apparently working out the Washington, D.C. native. The report originally came from Alex Kennedy of Hoops Hype, who advises the team is working out several free agent big men.

Robinson enjoyed a spectacular junior year at college, with the Kansas Jayhawks. He was a consensus first-team All-American and named Big 12 Player of the Year.

As a result, the 27-year-old declared for the 2012 draft and was selected fifth overall, by the Sacramento Kings. However, his career has never quite reached the level expected.

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As a result, Robinson played for six different teams during five seasons in the NBA, with his last stop being in Los Angeles with the Lakers. After this, he decided to play in Russia for the 2017-18 campaign, suiting up for BC Khimki.

Now, the power forward is looking to return to the NBA, with the Raptors representing one possible route. Certainly, he’s worth a good look and could be just the physical presence the team is searching for.

On his day, Robinson can be an extremely effective rebounder. As noted by Zarum, he has averaged 12.9 boards per 36 minutes during his NBA career.

In fact, the former Houston Rocket himself is extremely confident in his abilities. Speaking to Hoops Hype last year, he said he would easily be among the top 10 rebounders in the NBA in the right situation.

Of course, the leafs to the question of if the Raptors can offer that right situation? From the team’s perspective, the financial compensation will play a pivotal role.

On Tuesday, TSN’s Josh Lewenberg wrote that the Raptors have a $5.3 million mid-level exception available to use. However, the team is already well into luxury tax territory.

As such, Toronto would arguably prefer to bring someone in on a veteran’s minimum contract. This is where Robinson comes in.

When the 2012 First-team All-Big 12 played for the Lakers in 2016-17, he earned $1.05 million. Given that he has five years of NBA experience, he would be in line to make over $1.7 million this coming season.

Of course, all this is dependent on what Robinson shows the Raptors during his work out. However, it would be hard to argue against him taking the 14th spot on the roster, if they do decide to sign him.

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What’s your opinion of Robinson? What does he offer to the Toronto Raptors? More specifically, would you be fine with them signing him? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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