The Kings have been searching for some reliable big man depth behind Domantas Sabonis for a few years now.  While Alex Len has filled in admirably and should be the primary backup going forward, the Kings also went out and acquired 24 year old Orlando Robinson, a 6’10 undrafted Center who has spent his first two seasons in the NBA with the Miami Heat.

This is a bit of a different direction than the Kings have taken in recent years when they’ve opted for more experienced depth, such as last year’s signing of JaVale McGee.  Robinson is far from experienced having just played 67 games over two seasons and limited minutes at that.  He did have a brief stint as a starter with the Heat last season while Bam Adebayo was injured and averaged 7.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists in 20.4 minutes.  Most recently he spent some time with the Houston Rockets in the Las Vegas Summer League, where he averaged 14.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, a block and a steal in 23.5 minutes a game.

Coming out of Fresno State for the 2022 draft, Robinson drew some comparisons to guys like Kelly Olynyk for his skill as a scorer and ability to get others involved. In his junior year at Fresno State, Robinson averaged 19.4 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists a game while shooting 35.2% from three.  At the NBA level, he’s only shot 21 total three pointers, but has made 8 of them (all 8 coming last season).  Robinson also shows some skill as a passer, averaging 4 assists per 36 minutes last season.  Sacramento’s offense heavily relies upon big man passing thanks to Domantas Sabonis, so having another big who could at least is comfortable dishing the ball (few are going to be as good as Sabonis) is a plus.

Defensively, Robinson has more room to improve.  He’s never been a real rim protector and is a bit small for a center at just 6’10.  A common complaint from Heat fans regarding Robinson last season was a lack of awareness in the team scheme.  Of course, this is where Robinson’s youth comes in and perhaps some more seasoning and some experience will help in this regard. Like Coach Spoelstra, Mike Brown is another coach who preaches defense first and foremost, and studying behind an excellent defender like Bam Adebayo for a couple years should hopefully have taught him a few tips and tricks.

It remains to be fully seen if Robinson actually makes the final team roster (his contract is only guaranteed for $500,000, a not insignificant amount but we’ve seen teams cut these players before if veterans come along) but he does seem to bring some of the qualities the Kings are looking for in a third big man.  Playing time for any backup to Domantas Sabonis looks to be sparse.  Last season, both Alex Len and JaVale McGee saw less than 10 minutes a game each, and barring injuries to Sabonis (who played all 82 games last year), that will probably be the case this year, with Len probably getting a slight bump due to his experience.

It makes sense for the Kings to take a flier on a young big that could potentially improve rather than another swing at a past their prime vet.  Robinson could be a diamond in the rough, but even if he isn’t, it didn’t cost the Kings much to find out.