Buy-Low Big Men of 2013
By David MacKay
Mar 24, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets power forward Thomas Robinson (41) knocks the ball from San Antonio Spurs center Tiago Splitter (22) during the first half at the Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
#1 – Thomas Robinson
Robinson was selected 5th overall last year by the Sacramento Kings. However; the Kings never found a spot for him in their rotation and shipped him to Houston at the deadline. Now Houston is gearing up to pursue Chris Paul and Dwight Howard in free agency, and has declared that Robinson is up for grabs to clear cap space.
The Rockets already possess an unprecedented FIVE power forwards, so from a depth standpoint, they stand to lose very little with Robinson’s departure. In Portland, however, he is of high value. The Blazers need a capable backup to relieve LaMarcus Aldridge. Robinson could also become convenient free agency insurance should the Blazers opt to let Aldridge walk in 2015, but that’s a ways away.
Robinson is owed $3.5 million for the 2013-2014 season; a decent chunk, but a small sum when factoring in his potential.