2 former Kansas basketball standouts should be in the NBA
By Stan Unruh
Two former Kansas basketball standouts are joining new teams. Both Thomas Robinson and Cliff Alexander should be on NBA rosters.
Several weeks ago we heard good news that the Boston Celtics were taking a close look at former Kansas basketball fan favorite Thomas Robinson. As a matter of fact, I thought the Lakers would keep T-Rob another year. It didn’t happen. Their love affair with Lonzo Ball has them making major changes this season and T-Rob is not included.
Robinson played in 48 games last season and has averaged just over 13-minutes a game during his career while scoring just under five points and five rebounds in those games. He brings some amazing intangibles to any team and deserves another shot at an NBA roster. I thought the Celtics might be the perfect landing spot. Unfortunately Robinson is going farther east than Boston.
The former NBA first round pick is joining a team in Russia, according to a report by Gary Bedore on KUHoops.com. I certainly didn’t expect the Celtics and 28 other NBA teams to ignore Robinson. On the other hand, I didn’t expect Perry Ellis to play this season in Australia. It makes no sense to me. Fortunately, both T-Rob and Ellis will make good money to continue playing basketball.
While I’m frustrated for T-Rob, I’m thrilled to see former one and done Kansas basketball standout Cliff Alexander is getting a chance on the roster of the New Orleans Pelicans. His contract is not guaranteed, according to a report from Michael Scotto of Basketball Insiders.
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I know a few die-hard Kansas basketball fans who felt badly for Cliff at the end of his time as a Jayhawk. I’m glad he is getting this new opportunity. Alexander and T-Rob should both be on NBA rosters this season.