Glenn Robinson III is Developing Into the 3-and-D Player He Said He Would
By Josh Padmore
It’s been a hectic season for the Indiana Pacers. Amidst Paul George trade rumors, Glenn Robinson III has been playing very well.
Winning the 2017 Slam Dunk Contest was a good thing for Glenn Robinson III as you can see confidence oozing out of him. He’s got a new swagger to him. When you compare Glenn from when he first signed with the Indiana Pacers to now, you have to be satisfied with his development.
Before playing for the Pacers, Glenn Robinson III didn’t have a real trademark to his game. In fact, his status in the league was in question.
During his rookie season, he was waived by the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Philadelphia 76ers picked him up, but Glenn couldn’t produce much, not even on the then worst team in the NBA. He started to show promise in the Summer League, but it was hard to tell if he would become part of Indiana’s rotation.
Now, Glenn has plenty of identifiable pieces to his game.
Whether it’s playing the best perimeter defense on the team, keeping possessions alive by skying for offensive rebounds, or, of course, flying high for rim-rattling dunks.
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The 23-year-old has made a lot of progress for the blue and gold (and occasionally the yellow and red of Hickory).
Glenn has also improved as a shooter. Last season, he shot a solid 37.8% from three. This season, he is shooting 40.4%. What makes that percentage even more impressive is the fact that he went through a beginning of the season slump from deep and he’s shooting more than he had in the past.
His defense is arguably what’s been the most impressive part about him. I really do believe he’s looked like the best perimeter defender on the team. Paul George isn’t playing the same type of defense he played prior to suffering the leg injury. If and when Paul George picks his back up, having another strong defender, especially off the bench, is going to help Indiana’s playoff chances.
Robinson said he wanted to be a 3-and-D wing for the Indiana Pacers last year. Looking at his growth this season, it is easy to see he’s taken a step in the right direction.
Next: Myles Turner is the Indiana Pacers’ Future
The Pacers have some solid young players right now. Myles Turner is a stud. Robinson is developing nicely and is still 23 years old. Rakeem Christmas has shown some signs over the last few games. If Paul George were to leave or get traded, at least Indiana has some good young players to build around.