The Golden State Warriors waived Alfonzo McKinnie and are putting their trust in small forward Glenn Robinson III to get the job done at the three.
This was a wild offseason for the Golden State Warriors.
After they added D’Angelo Russell, subtracted Kevin Durant, re-signed Klay Thompson, extended Draymond Green and filled out their roster, the team was looking at their training camp and preseason in the eye.
They had their roster. They had their set starting lineup. A few things in that changed when they waived Alfonzo McKinnie and signed Marquese Chriss for the remainder of the season. More notably, the role of Glenn Robinson III changed.
Although he may have been the starter all along, there was some competition with McKinnie, a player that knows the system and started a handful of games last season. Now, he’ll be the team’s main option and soak up all the minutes.
Until mid-March, Robinson III will be on the true option at the three. Alec Burks may get the backup small forward minutes, but he’s certainly not near as solid of a fit for the starters as Robinson.
That said, Steve Kerr has put his trust in Robinson.
That’s risky.
The former Michigan Wolverine was drafted in the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft. He started his career with the Timberwolves then was waived and found his way to Philadelphia. Eventually, Robinson III found his first true NBA home in Indianapolis.
He played three seasons in Indy where, during his best season, he averaged 6.1 points and 3.6 rebounds. He shot 39.2% from deep that season and then over 40% the following season. However, he faltered the next season after signing with Detroit.
In 13 minutes per game over the course of 47 games, Robinson shot just 29% from deep. He’s had his ups and downs, one reason he didn’t see more interest during the NBA’s early-July free agency period.
There’s no reason to deny Robinson a new chance at a solid career, but playing bulk minutes to a player that’s over half a decade into his career and has yet to average double figures it’s a recipe for success.
It’s risky, but this season may be all about the risks.