2014 NBA Draft – Houston Rockets: Glenn Robinson III Player Profile

Mar 30, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward

III (1) shoots between Kentucky Wildcats forward Alex Poythress (22) and guard/forward James Young (1) in the second half of the finals of the midwest regional of the 2014 NCAA Mens Basketball Championship tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The previous two players reviewed as potential picks for the Houston Rockets were forwards, and so is the third. Glenn Robinson III of Michigan declared for the draft after his sophomore season, and while not many are projecting the small forward to be the dominant player his father was with the Milwaukee Bucks, he should have a good NBA career.

Again, a small forward could prove beneficial if Daryl Morey decides that Chandler Parsons isn’t financially feasible. If the Rockets were to acquire Carmelo Anthony, another combo forward would fit well since Melo is a tweener himself. Robinson has the playmaking ability and shooting to thrive from the 3-spot. He’s extremely athletic and has a high motor; he doesn’t quit on plays. His teammate, Tim Hardaway, Jr., already proved to be one of the steals of the 2013 draft.

Robinson would fit nicely in Houston’s up-tempo offense because he attacks the rim well and can finish through contact. Like Harden, Robinson would draw plenty of fouls on opposing teams and keep the free throw count high. Harden also could serve as a good mentor for Robinson, since one of his tendencies is to fall out of games mentally. Initially, he could thrive as a bench scorer and exploit the lack of shot blocking in NBA second units.

Eventually, he could be a starting caliber small forward. NBADraft.net compares Robinson to Washington Wizards’ forward Trevor Ariza, and that is a good comparison, but Robinson lacks the length of Ariza. For that reason, it wouldn’t seem his upside as a defender is quite as high, but the slashing and aggressive offensive styles of the two are very comparable.

Grade for the Houston Rockets 2013-2014 Season

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