Steve Kerr gives Glenn Robinson III confidence he needs with Warriors

Glenn Robinson III has bounced around across five different teams in his career, but now with the Golden State Warriors, he’s finding some concistency for the first time in his career.

It’s tough to find a consistent role as second-round NBA draft pick, you never know when you’re getting your next shot, and if you miss, there’s a strong chance you’re going back to the bench.

Glenn Robinson III knows that struggle because he’s lived it. Since being drafted by Minnesota in 2014, the Michigan product has bounced around the NBA to five different teams. There’s never been any rhythm to Robinson’s career where he’s had the opportunity to show he belongs.

In 2019, Robinson landed in a situation that’s ripe with opportunities, and the 25-year old is capitalizing. The most playing time Robinson has seen in his career was back in the 2016-17 season with Indiana, where he played 20.7 minutes per game. With Golden State, Robinson is the primary starting small forward seeing 31.4 minutes per game.

It’s not just playing time, Robinson’s had a substantial uptick offensively. The most field goal attempts per game Robinson ever averaged was 4.9, but in 2019 with the Warriors, Robinson is shooting 9.5 field goals per game.

Robinson’s increase in minutes and shooting comes mostly because the Warriors are missing players like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and D’Angelo Russell. However, the eight-year veteran is making the most of it.

In Golden State’s last five games, Robinson III is averaging 16.5 points per game on 53.3 percent shooting, including 10-of-20 from beyond the arc. Robinson dropped a career-high 25 points on 9-for-14 from the field in 36 minutes against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Monday night.

When asked about his recent play, Robinson gives all the credit to Warriors coach Steve Kerr.

“I like playing this style of basketball and Steve encourages it—so I think just being around a positive coach,”

Robinson told reporters after the Warriors 100-97 loss to the Thunder that he’s never played for a coach that empowers his players as much as Kerr does.

“My five years before this, I haven’t had a coach like Steve, who just really pours into me and just empowers me. I think that he really looks at his guys, you know—and kind of defers to us in certain situations. So he just gives me a lot of confidence.”

Even when the Warriors bevy of injured All-Stars return, the team still needs a solid small forward with the departure of Kevin Durant. If Robinson’s strong play and chemistry with coach Kerr continue, he could be apart of the team’s plans for the future.