Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

Golden State Warriors: Glenn Robinson III wants to emulate Thompson defensively

By Nathan Beighle

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 28: Glenn Robinson III #22 of the Detroit Pistons stretches before the game against the Orlando Magic on March 28, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 28: Glenn Robinson III #22 of the Detroit Pistons stretches before the game against the Orlando Magic on March 28, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Golden State Warriors signed the Pistons’ Glenn Robinson III this past offseason, giving him a chance to revive his career.

After beginning his career with Minnesota, Glenn Robinson III has bounced around the NBA, playing with the Philadelphia 76ers, Indiana Pacers, Detroit Pistons and now the Golden State Warriors. The former second-round pick has yet to really find a home in the NBA.

His production, to be fair, just hasn’t been there.

After coming out of the University of Michigan, where he played just one season, Robinson III had promise, looking like one of the better late-draft prospects. Given his three-point shooting and athleticism, Robinson III had all the tools to be a true NBA star.

However, it just hasn’t panned out that way. After five seasons in the league, Robinson has yet to average over seven points per game. But, he has shown his abilities in other ways, taking home the 2017 Slam Dunk Championship.

That’s not what he’s planning to bring to the Warriors, though. He wants to replenish the defensive aptitude that Klay Thompson brought while the five-time All-Star recovers from the torn ACL he sustained in Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals.

“When I was with the Pacers, I guarded the best player on the court whenever they came on, and I look forward to doing that this year with a defender like Klay [Thompson] (recovering from injury),” Robinson told NBA.com.

If he can give the Warriors that type of production just on the defensive end, it’d likely be enough to secure him the starting small forward role. Given he’s just one season removed from a career-high 41% from downtown, Robinson III could quickly solidify himself as the team’s best three.

That spot is worrisome for the Warriors, who will be forced into starting Robinson III or Alfonzo McKinnie. As for Robinson, he could erupt with Golden State. He’s still relatively young at just 25 and should be able to develop his game alongside Stephen Curry and D’Angelo Russell.

Next. Top 25 Golden State Warriors in franchise history. dark

The opportunity will be there, but will he take advantage of it is the better question.

Home/Warriors News