Denver Nuggets: Will Nate Robinson Get Enough Playing Time?


Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Nuggets will enter the 2013 NBA season loaded at the point guard position. This offseason, they went ahead and signed free agent Nate Robinson to pair with a savvy crew of veterans featuring Ty Lawson and Andre Miller at the point. But, will the former Chicago Bulls fan favorite get enough playing time with his new gig?

Robinson did what nobody expected him to in 2012. With Derrick Rose out for the year and Kirk Hinrich in and out of the lineup, Robinson played crucial minutes for Chicago and was the key in many of their victories.

Coming off the bench and knocking down big time shots including some unbelievable three-pointers, Robinson put flare into the way he led that Bulls team last year. He found a way to win on so many occasions, especially during playoff time when he helped them surge into the second round off of a seven game series with the Brooklyn Nets.

With Lawson and Miller solidified as the 1-2 spots on the depth chart, Robinson could see his minutes go down in a big way this next year, which isn’t quite how many believed his 2013 campaign would go. I could be wrong, but I believe Miller will still get the majority of minutes behind Lawson. Denver loves what he still brings to the table as a tenured point guard in this league.

Robinson, if given the chance, could provide a big offensive lift for the Nuggets. But, I just don’t see them needing it. Could he possibly step in at the two guard and play a little bit of small ball with Lawson or Miller out on the court alongside him? It’s an idea, but who knows what new head coach Brian Shaw has in mind.

What I do know is this: Robinson had his best season last year and deserves to be given some significant playing time. If he does not get that opportunity, I wonder if he will wish he would have gone elsewhere.

Ryan Heckman is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.comFollow him on Twitter  @ryanmheckman, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.


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