Devin Robinson: Thunder NBA Draft prospect series

Mar 16, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida Gators forward Devin Robinson (1) shoots a free throw during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Florida Gators defended the East Tennessee State 80-65. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Florida forward Devin Robinson is next up in Thunderous Intentions NBA Draft Prospect Preview.

While several late second round prospects experienced recent upticks in ranking forward Devin Robinson has slipped a bit.

Many players improved their ranking when 36 international players opted out of the draft . So, the fact Robinson fell down a notch tends to imply he hasn’t impressed in workouts or is too raw to properly assess. Furthermore, with so few small forwards and duo forwards in this season’s draft it is also cause for pause.

Specifics:

Height: 6’8″

Weight: 200 lbs

Wingspan: 7’075 ”

Position: Small Forward -Power Forward

Age: 22 years, 3 months

Statline: 11.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.9 blocks, 39 percent 3-point efficiency

College: Florida (Junior

Home Town: Chesterfield, Virginia

Current rankings:

Notably, these rankings are taken on day of writing, and are therefore subject to change.

DraftExpress: 50th

Scott Howard-Cooper nba.com: ranks 7th in SHC’s top ten small forward’s list

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor: 48th

CBS Sports: 58th

Basketball Insiders: 48th

Skills:

Upon initial glance, it seems like Robinson can grow into a solid 3 and D player. Hence, his athleticism and hops offers reason to presume that’s a logical ceiling for the youngster.

His best traits are showcased in fast break and transition offense when he can optimize his speed and leaping ability.

Robinson demonstrated growth this past season improving his 3-point efficiency. Another solid asset is his ability to get to the charity stripe although his 2.8 attempts per game are on the low side.

Arguably, the reason he’s not valued higher is most of his strengths are limited to his potential as opposed to his results. Considering his age, that may warrant hesitancy by clubs since he’s over 22 and in spite of that hasn’t gained strength or bulk.

As an example of those tangible assets he put up some impressive results at the NBA Draft Combine as per Julian Applebome at Draft Express:

"Florida Junior Devin Robinson showed off his athleticism posting the third best max vertical leap at 41.5 (98th percentile historically), as well as the third best no step vertical at 35.5 (98th percentile historically). The only players in our database over 6’7 to post vertical leaps like that in both categories and go onto play in the NBA are Vince Carter, Glenn Robinson III, Ronald Dupree and Alex Poythress. Another interesting note on the Gator alum is that he posted the 7th lowest body fat percentage in our database history at 3.2%"

Weaknesses:

As an older prospect there are concerns because of his slight body weight. Factor in his inability to create for himself or teammates and it could be the main reason he’s not projecting higher by most pundits.

Normally a combo forward (especially in a draft with few available) would elicit more interest. But, the fact he’s regressing on boards indicates he’s not impressing in workouts.

Ryan Thomson of Draft Express points to the Florida junior’s inconsistency, lack of focus and inability or seeming willingness to add size.

"Off the ball, Robinson has a tendency to lose track of his man and give up wide open looks from beyond the arc. He needs to improve his focus and attention to detail on the defensive end, particularly since he hasn’t displayed much interest in being a physical defender, raising concerns as to what positions he will truly be able to guard at the next level despite his physical tools. Robinson has, however, shown a willingness to crash the glass, averaging 6.6 defensive rebounds per 40 minutes as a junior, which is encouraging"

Honors and awards:

2015 SEC All-Rookie Team

Pro Comparison:

Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer provided a ceiling comparison for each of his prospects. O’Connor’s list pegs Collins ceiling as Andre Roberson, Jerami Grant.

Ironically the two players O’Connor isolates in comparison are both on the Thunder. That in itself points to the fact OKC don’t need three players all with the same assets, especially when the prospect isn’t as capable as the two they already have.

The fit:

Although some prospects potential is worth taking a chance on others like Robinson seem like too big of a stretch. Because Robinson’s ceiling compares to OKC’s Roberson and Grant and it doesn’t make much sense for Presti to earmark him for drafting. Moreover, his late second round ranking is far beyond the 21st selection OKC will make. While it’s a given a team will take a flyer based on Robinson’s potential, don’t expect the Thunder to be that team.

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