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2018 Orlando Magic NBA Draft Preview: Jerome Robinson, a quiet assassin in the ACC

By Ricky Scricca

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - FEBRUARY 25: Boston College guard Jerome Robinson (1) reacts after making a three during an ACC match up between the Boston College Eagles and the Virginia Tech Hokies on February 25, 2017 at Conte Forum in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. The Hokies defeated the Eagles 91-75. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHESTNUT HILL, MA - FEBRUARY 25: Boston College guard Jerome Robinson (1) reacts after making a three during an ACC match up between the Boston College Eagles and the Virginia Tech Hokies on February 25, 2017 at Conte Forum in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. The Hokies defeated the Eagles 91-75. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Final Word

Jerome Robinson would be an interesting second-round selection for the Orlando Magic as a player with some microwave ball-handling upside and floor-spacing ability.

Despite his defensive flaws, this franchise should be eyeing offensive talent with at least one of their selections this year, whether it is ancillary or primary in nature. The Magic are as deprived of spacing and creation as almost any team in the league.

Given what seems to be a gradually-forming defensive identity, with Jonathan Isaac and Aaron Gordon as Steve Clifford’s centerpieces moving forward, the Magic may have more wiggle room to squeeze in a prospect like Robinson who could benefit from being surrounded by mobile, rangy defenders.

From Robinson’s perspective, Orlando is a good situation. Though he would likely start the season in the G-League, he would almost certainly get run with the big club. Once there, he could receive an outsized offensive role for a rookie with his profile simply due to the lack of other options late in the season (assuming there is not a playoff run).

His shooting gravity could also lead him to have a net positive effect on the Magic’s best lineups while also benefiting from surrounding defensive pieces. Synergy with the cornerstone pieces could act as a litmus test when deciding who is worth keeping around through 2021.

In general, interest in Robinson probably depends on your opinion of his NBA analogs. If you felt Lou Williams was a deserving All-Star, that J.R. Smith deserves minutes over Kyle Korver or that Jamal Crawford has a Hall-of-Fame case, you might take him just outside the lottery.

If you do not feel those ways about those things, you might not take him until the late 30s or 40s. Fortunately, the Magic will be picking in the latter position. They will not have to negotiate with themselves whether net-neutral bench gunners are as valuable as two-way wings with less shot creation ability.

Next: NBA Draft Preview: Who is Mikal Bridges?

It is hard to negotiate with Robinson’s scoring highlights though. The Magic could use a player like Jerome Robinson. If for no other reason than to remove some of the scoring onus from non-creators.