76ers' Thomas Robinson is 'tired of getting treated like a rag doll'
Thomas Robinson's rookie contract expires at the end of this season and his next 20-odd games with the Philadelphia 76ers may go a long way towards determining how his first foray into NBA free agency goes.
Robinson has said that he's happy with his current situation with the Sixers, already his fourth team since being drafted fifth overall by the Sacramento Kings in 2012. The Sixers swooped him up when he was waived by the Denver Nuggets – who themselves had acquired him in a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers – just after the trade deadline. Still, it's likely that he'll find himself wearing yet another team's jersey when the 2015-16 season opens.
At some point, he's hoping to settle down and find a more permanent NBA home.
"I'm tired of getting treated like a rag doll in this league," Robinson said two games into his Sixers tenure, according to Marcus Hayes of The Philadelphia Daily News. "I just want to prove that I belong here. I'm tired of being treated like I've been treated in this league."
Robinson has certainly shown enough in his first three seasons to merit a contract this offseason, but it seems increasingly unlikely that he'll live up to his billing as a top-five pick.
In a way, that makes him something of a cautionary tale for the Sixers, who are caught in a cycle of asset-flipping in which they're continuously trading present stability for uncertain future promise. There are no sure things. Robinson could be a fine role player, but he's nobody's idea of a superstar.
"Nobody's given me a chance," Robinson said of his nomadic young career. "That's pretty much it."
The Sixers' front office may have signed Robinson in part because they needed to reach the salary floor, but head coach Brett Brown still believes he can help him reach his potential, whether that ends up happening in Philadelphia or elsewhere.
"He's trying to find a home," Brown said. "I feel like I have answers."
Robinson is happy Brown believes in him, but he's also learned not to expect anything in the business-driven league that employs him.
"I thought (Portland and Houston) were good fits, too," Robinson said.
Regardless of where he ends up, Robinson remains determined to make everyone realize what he's capable of.
"Nothing's going to faze me." he said. "I've pretty much seen it all. I'm not going to let this league or anyone's opinions break me. I know what I can do. I know who I am. The moment I get the chance, it's going to show."