Similar players, both elite rebounders with similar below average shooting ability. Jordan Hill is bigger, Thomas Robinson is quicker.
I think this is a really bad comparison. Jordan Hill went about as high as he should have. Robinson dropped about as low as he could have. It's Hill's best case vs Robinson's worst case. So to answer the question, no it won't be another Hill situation.
The biggest difference between Hill and Robinson is focus. Hill sleepwalks in stretches, probably also in practice. Hill is not a bad backup for short minutes at a time. He's a good rebounder, especially on the offensive end. He can knock down short jumpers too. I actually don't know much about Robinson's on court of off court focus. What I've read so far is that he's an energy guy, which is definitely not Hill's strong suit.
Rob's worst case is probably Jordan Hill right now. Think that's all that needs to be said right now.
Your assertion is based purely on draft position. But draft position means nothing once the player is drafted. Draft position is just a projection AT THE TIME OF THE DRAFT of how good the player would be. Once the guy's NBA career starts, all that matters is how he plays on the pro level. Look at our starting lineup. We have two second rounders and an undrafted guy. That's 60% of the lineup that's not drafted in the first round.
Being a regular viewer of college basketball, I got a chance to see a lot of both players, and the comparison is pretty accurate. They profile similarly statistically and have similar strengths/weaknesses. Both are strong rebounders that lack polish offensively. It's usually a combination that screams "journeyman big," but Robinson does have the higher upside, as he's a more explosive and better overall athlete. And that's why I feel his high end is an Antonio McDyess, whereas is low end is maybe a Ronny Turiaf-type journeyman. He'll have to work very hard over these next few years, though, but he's got the tools.
To sum up some similarities and differences pointed out thus far ... Please feel free to add or delete. Similarities: - Both were traded in their rookie year, due to slow starts and financial decisions. - Both were high draft picks (Hill - 8th | Robinson - 5th) - Both were seen as strong rebounders coming out of the draft. - Upon acquisition, both were(are) seen as raw physical prospects. Differences: - Hill was a toss in, in the McGrady trade. As oppose to Robinson, who was the target acquisition. - Physical frames. Robinson is built like a tank. Hill's frame never truly developed. - Athleticism. Even though Hill was deemed athletic, he falls short in every athletic category when you compare him to Robinson - Motor (Hustle). Jordan Hill had a massively inconsistent motor, that was consistently on and off (mostly the latter). One the biggest things scouts raved about Robinson was his all out hustle, aka his motor.
well SAC media sure thinks robinson got bad hands(a la asik) and can't finish plays... let's hope he improve on those.
It's based on the fact that Robinson was/is considered NBA ready. He wasn't projected top 5 based purely on potential, like Thabeet. He is a starter in this league right now. Give him starter's minutes and he's probably going to get you 10 and 8, at least. He can do better his first year than Hill did in year 3. Jordan hill was picked high mostly based on potential. He could have been a bust (still could be). I find it hard to believe Robinson could have been considered one or will ever be, unless he suffers injuries. The OP is comparing them because they had troubled pasts and were picked 3 picks apart, but they're not that similar. Different projections, attitude, game, etc.. I assumed most people here follow the draft enough to know this, which is why I only referenced their draft projection/position.
Four players on our quad from one time or another form that draft class. 1 out of the three, the highest ranked one in harden, has actually panned out. But Jordan Hill, Douglas, and T-Will have all been disappointments. The Knicks assessment of him was brutal once he was traded, if ya'll remember. It was a regretful pick form them. Hill is a very average player. Defensively, he just seemed lost A LOT of the time. He's good for rebounds and put backs. I'm eager to see what Robinson can do for us.
Well if McHale doesn't attempt to make Thomas Robinson a full time center like he did to Jordan Hill these two guys won't compare.
T-Rob has a muscular build but a small frame. I.e. he may find it difficult to get significantly stronger later on and may struggle against bigger PFs.
