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Jerome Robinson was a reach but he’s the right player for the Clippers

By Ryan Snellings

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 21: Jerome Robinson speaks to the media after being selected thirteenth overall by the LA Clippers at the 2018 NBA Draft on June 21, 2018 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kostas Lymperopoulos/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 21: Jerome Robinson speaks to the media after being selected thirteenth overall by the LA Clippers at the 2018 NBA Draft on June 21, 2018 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kostas Lymperopoulos/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Many may see Jerome Robinson as a reach for the Los Angeles Clippers, but he will prove himself to be the right pick.

Jerome Robinson, the guard selected thirteenth out of Boston College, will be seen as a reach when draft grades come out over the next couple of days.

You know what? He probably was. But that’s not the point. The point is that the Los Angeles Clippers selected the player they wanted and believed could be a big part of the team’s future. Robinson will prove their faith in him isn’t misplaced.

Offensive Monster

Robinson comes in with three years of college experience under his belt. During his time in school, he proved that he could flat out score. In his junior (and last) season with BC, Robinson poured in 20.7 points per game on 48.5% shooting, which included 40.9% from deep on almost 6 attempts per game.

Robinson also is a capable playmaker, should he handle the ball. He was responsible for 3.3 assists per game last season. His scoring ability combined with his passing ability led to ESPN’s Draft Analyst Jay Bilas to say he “might be the most complete offensive player in the draft.”

His performance during the season allowed him to finish behind only Marvin Bagley for ACC Player of the Year. In a very strong conference, that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Just look at his highlight reel to get an idea of the type of offensive player he can be in the NBA.

What to expect

Robinson spent the summer before his junior season working out in Los Angeles with current NBA players, including a very familiar face to Clippers’ fans. He saw the amount of work he’d need to put in and level of play he would have to achieve. He surely will improve over this summer. Look at the way he trended in college. His freshman year he was only putting up 11.7 points per game but had almost doubled that amount by the time he was a junior.

This isn’t to say he will come in the league and be a Donovan Mitchell type of instant star (who, by the way, was selected 13th overall last year). Robinson will require a little more growth both physically and as a defender. He’s slightly undersized at 181lbs, so bulking up will help him both on the defensive end and dealing with contact at the rim.

However, with the team as currently constructed, he will be able to come in and score. Doc could use Robinson in a J.J. Redick/Ray Allen type of role. He’s already a proven knock down shooter, so moving him off of constant screens should allow him to get going early. Unlike J.J., he’s also capable of putting the ball on the floor, so if he gets run off the three point line, it won’t be the end of the world.

Get excited

Jerome Robinson may not be what you expected to get in the NBA Draft, especially after Michael Porter Jr. started to fall. It’s okay to feel disappointed or unsure of what to expect. There is a reason Jerry West fell in love with him though. So be ready. Jerome Robinson is here and he will be a big part of the Clippers backcourt going forward.