Did 76ers Hinkie Err By Not Re-signing Sixers?

Nov 29, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Detroit Pistons guard

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

(5) drives to the basket against Brooklyn Nets forward Thomas Robinson (41) during second half at Barclays Center. The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Detroit Pistons 87-83. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Thomas Robinson

Thomas Robinson is a 6’10” reserve power forward for the Brooklyn Nets, his fifth team in four years. Backing up another former Sixer, Thadeus Young, he is comfortable in the role and had been close to signing with the Nets when the Sixers claimed him off waivers. The swift claim of Robinson had some scratching their heads, but the plan was simply a salary play. Prior claiming Robinson, the 76ers were $3,023,771 below the salary floor. Any team failing to spend the minimum must just pay its players the shortfall. So the Sixers were on the hook for the money. But the 76ers general manager found a loophole. Robinson’s $3,678,360 salary lifted the Sixers above the salary floor. However, because the Trail Blazers and Nuggets (but mostly the Trail Blazers) have already paid most of Robinson’s salary this season, Philadelphia was required to pay Robinson just the remaining $1,103,508 he’s owed. So, instead of paying their players $3,023,771 for failing to meet the salary floor, the 76ers will pay Robinson just $1,103,508. It’s a savings of $1,920,263.

Robinson was picked fifth by the Kings in the 2012 draft, and the Sixers love to take a look at a former first round prospect who has fallen out of favor. But he didn’t show enough and he went on to sign with the Nets:

"” Because they showed interest from Day One,” Robinson said. “Even at the draft, they showed heavy interest, and then the pick got swapped out. Over the years, I’ve just liked it was a new organization, and they were building something, and it’s New York. … I wanted to be here in New York. I’m glad I’m here a few years down the road, after the stuff I’ve been through. I’m more mature now than I was when I probably wanted to come here. [I want to] take advantage of all of my opportunities. I feel like I’m right back where I was getting drafted again … now it’s just time.” – Thomas Robinson"

The Sixers had a glut of big bodies, and with Nerlens Noel and rehabbing Joel Embiid, declined to pursue Robinson further.

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