After averaging 16.4 points and 4.3 assists as a dynamic scorer and playmaker for the University of Washington in 2004-05, Nate Robinson’s NBA stock was on the rise.
Just how high? That question was answered on draft night.
“I was supposed to be a second-round guy,” Robinson recalled.
Instead, the Phoenix Suns took Robinson with the 21st overall pick and then traded him to the New York Knicks, who coveted his speed, energy and shot-making ability.
“It worked out for the best,” Robinson said. “(Knicks president) Isaiah Thomas gave me my chance and I never looked back.”
Robinson, now playing for the Denver Nuggets, was at home with his friends and family when his name was called on draft night nine years ago. The magnitude of the moment hit immediately.
“It was unbelievable,” he said. “That was the first time I cried like a big baby.”
Robinson, who played cornerback as a freshman at Washington, remembers seeing football highlights after his name was called on draft night.
“They showed a couple of basketball highlights, but they showed mostly football highlights,” he said. “It was pretty cool.”