Washington Wizards hoping Jerome Robinson’s big night is just the start

The Washington Wizards need Jerome Robinson’s big night against the Brooklyn Nets to serve as a stepping stone in his progress on offense. 

General manager of the Washington Wizards Tommy Sheppard didn’t make a blockbuster deal at this year’s trade deadline. Instead, he opted to deal for two young guards, one of which hit a game-winning 3-pointer on Wednesday night to lift them over the Brooklyn Nets.

The Wizards acquired Jerome Robinson in exchange for veteran point guard Isaiah Thomas, who was later waived by the LA Clippers.

After going just 2-for-7 from the floor and 0-for-3 from deep on Wednesday night, Robinson scored a 3-pointer with 8 seconds remaining in regulation.

https://twitter.com/WashWizards/status/1232855233241370625

Then on the opposite end, he snatched the defensive rebound off of Spencer Dinwiddie‘s 3-point miss that would have won the Nets the game. Instead, it leads to free throws for Robinson, who went 2-for-2 from the charity stripe to seal this one for the Wizards.

He finished with just nine points, three rebounds, and two assists but make no mistake–this was his best game in a Washington uniform. The Wizards traded for the former 13th overall pick at this year’s deadline, taking a flyer on a 23-year-old who’s struggled offensively.

Then in his seventh game with the team, he turned his offensive woes into offensive triumph for the Wizards, keeping them in the Eastern Conference playoff race for another day. Washington’s now 21-36, four and a half games back of the eighth seed Orlando Magic.

Robinson spent his first two seasons with the Clippers, rarely displaying any offensive promise, but earning his minutes on the floor by being a dogged style defender.

And he’s been that for the Wizards since arriving, a welcome sight for one of the league’s worst defensive teams. Fun fact–Washington has the league’s third-best defensive rating (105.4) over their seven games since dealing for Robinson, per NBA.com.

But for Robinson to begin branching out on offense, well needless to say that’d be the ideal situation for the Wizards, who are looking for answers as they push for the postseason. He’s averaged just 5.6 points and 3.7 rebounds since arriving, on a 36/35/75 shooting split.

Washington can wait for Robinson, but given their aspirations for next season, would prefer not to. His best opportunity to find his way will be through the end of this season. And if Wednesday night is any implication, Robinson’s ready for the moment, he just needs to be given a (or the) shot.

The Washington Wizards will return to action on Friday night, in the first of a four-game road trip. They’re hosted by Donovan Mitchell and the Utah Jazz. Tip-off is at 9 pm est.