Jerome Robinson is a name fans of the LA Clippers will never forget. This roots from pain, as he was chosen by the Clippers in the 2018 draft lottery behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Robinson was subpar in the NBA, went overseas, and has been atrocious in the Turkey-BSL for the Galatasaray S.K.
In six games, Robinson has averaged 5.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists, shooting 35.5% from the field, 26.7% from a distance, and 66.7% from the charity stripe. Long story short: he is struggling overseas, justifying how the Clippers' draft department is behind in evaluating talents on the verge of going pro.
It is mind-boggling that Robinson was the pick over the many superstars who went on to blossom in the NBA after him. Thus, he is undoubtedly the worst draft mistake in Clippers history.
Jerome Robinson was somehow highly regarded by the Clippers in the 2018 draft process
According to a report from Jake Fischer in 2018, the LA Clippers had Jerome Robinson as one of the top prospects on their draft board. He managed to instill his skill set in the minds of executives as an elite scorer who could go from averaging 20-plus at Boston College to excelling at the NBA level.
Word I keep hearing from multiple sources: Boston College guard Jerome Robinson is one of Clippers executive Jerry West’s most favorite prospects.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) June 21, 2018
Hence, the Clippers neglected everyone for Robinson, and he quickly rebuked whatever optimism they had about him after interviews, the draft combine, and his three years of collegiate film.
Moreover, the Clippers could not see what Robinson made obvious throughout his seasons with the Eagles. He was never an excellent rebounder, playmaker, or defender; all that stood out was his scoring.
Averaging less than four rebounds and four assists in 34.6 minutes across 90 games is concerning.
Did any of the Clippers’ executives even bring up what his impact in the NBA would be if he had a poor shooting night? This happens to every scorer, yet a lottery pick must remain an asset with other strengths.
Like Brandon Boston Jr., Robinson turned out to be an inefficient shot-chucker, now playing overseas. They were both busts for the Clippers, but Boston Jr. was a second-round pick, far from the lottery.
That said, the Clippers deserve to be reminded of how their last lottery selection is doing as a professional basketball player. Maybe this will steer them on the right track so that the next time they land a high draft pick, the front office will do better.