The NBA’s trade deadline is quickly approaching. As a result, a number of potential team moves have been tossed around for different front offices.
Though perhaps not as media friendly as a Pau Gasol trade, the Bulls are nearing a point where they have to make a decision on Nate Robinson.
Robinson has been solid for the surprising Bulls. Averaging 21 minutes per game, Robinson has put up a season line of 10.8 ppg, 3.6 apg, and 2.1 rpg. He’s also contributing about a steal per game, adding to Thibodeau’s stingy defensive unit.
Robinson has been a steady source of offensive pressure. He’s taking shots at his career rate of 9.5 attempts per game, while sinking 4. Despite his contributions, the sub-six-footer out of Washington could be on his way out of a Bulls uniform.
As mentioned by K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, Nate’s future with the Bulls past the deadline seems threatened by the progress of rookie Marquis Teague and the return of Derrick Rose.
With Hinrich sidelined, Thibodeau has had to put some trust in his rookie out of Kentucky. Though Teague’s numbers to this point haven’t quite impressed (1.9 ppg, 1.5 apg, 0.8 rpg), he’s earning the trust of his defense-minded coach.
“His speed and quickness basically allow him to get to any point he wants to,” Thibodeau said. “Now he has to figure out the rest of the league. There’s a lot of speed and quickness out there with size.”
–Via Chicago Tribune
Teague didn’t start his NBA career without a stumble or two. For one, the rookie wasn’t in game shape. Despite that, coach Thibodeau remains confident in his young guard.
He probably didn’t do a whole lot from the time [Kentucky] won the championship to the summer league. When you’re 19, that’s what happens sometimes. But since he’s been here, he has had great concentration and is improving.”
As long as Teague continues to show that improvement, slowly earning more time, Robinson’s tenure with the team remains in question. The continuing progress of Derrick Rose’s recovery isn’t exactly helping either.
Mohamed Abdihakim is a journalism student at Florida Atlantic University. He is a Phoenix Suns fan, who is not prepared for the possibility of Nash winning a title in a Lakers jersey. Mohamed is also a contributor at “Les Snobs”. Interests include International basketball, Mad Men, and blues music. Nearly all stats are credited to Hoopdata or Basketball-Reference.
Twitter handle: @Abdi_hakim
