When Nate Robinson was a member of the Chicago Bulls, he came to the rescue of an injured squad, helping the undermanned Bulls beat Brooklyn in the first round of a hard-fought, seven-game 2013 Eastern Conference playoffs. That makes Robinson no stranger to being called on in a pinch, when a team’s injuries create the need for a player who can come in and immediately contribute.
Robinson officially signed with New Orleans on Friday and jumped right onto the practice floor, then hopped on the team plane to get ready for a three-game preseason road trip that begins Saturday in Lexington, Ky. With point guards Tyreke Evans and Norris Cole out at least short-term and Jrue Holiday on a restriction of 10 minutes per preseason game, there is playing time available at the position.
“He’s an unusual talent. For a guy his size and as athletic as he is, he can do a lot of things,” Pelicans Coach Alvin Gentry said of the explosive 5-foot-8 scorer. “With our (injury) situation, we felt like let’s bring him in and take a look. He’s just a really good player. He’s shown that in this league. If you look at it a couple years ago, he pretty much saved Chicago’s season, when they had all the injuries and Derrick Rose was out. I thought he did a great job. He almost singlehandedly won games for them. We’re just looking for him to be part of the team and we’ll see how it goes from there.”
Robinson had been working out in his hometown of Seattle, often with the University of Washington basketball team, waiting for an opportunity to play. The 10-year NBA veteran spent last season with the Denver Nuggets and the L.A. Clippers. He’s played for a total of seven different teams in the league.
“It’s a beautiful thing, a blessing,” Robinson said of being contacted by the Pelicans after patiently waiting to sign with an NBA team this offseason. “I just thank God for another opportunity. … You’ve got to listen to the wise. My grandma always told me, great things come to those who wait.”
Robinson played twice vs. New Orleans last season, once apiece as a member of the Clippers and Nuggets. He believes the Pelicans have potential to be a very good team.
“I love the team,” Robinson said. “They have a lot of firepower here, even with the guard play. (Jrue) Holiday, (Eric) Gordon, so many guys. They bring so much to the table. If we get the right ingredients, put it in the oven and see what comes out, we’ll be alright.”
Gentry said Evans will not play in Saturday’s game vs. Sacramento.
“We’re going to have his knee checked out,” Gentry said. “It’s not any big thing. We’ll get an opinion and see what (doctors) think. He has a little soreness in it. We’ll know more in a couple days as to where he is.”
In the meantime, Robinson may get an opportunity to run the Pelicans’ offense, having to quickly adapt to a new system.
“We know what Nate can do,” Holiday said. “Obviously he brings a lot of energy, scoring, intensity. I feel like that’s what we need on the team. And he’s a vet. You can’t really go wrong with a vet, someone who’s made a staple in the league.”