The Celtics added yet another piece to their bench today by re-signing Nate Robinson to a two-year deal. Boston will pay the spark plug nearly $4 million per season.
It took some time for Robinson to get adjusted to the Celtics style of play, which was infinitely more disciplined than his time with the Knicks. However, Robinson managed to come through with a couple of excellent games in the playoffs, including one fabulous stretch to help the C's win Game 4 of the NBA Finals.
That said, it's still tough to determine where exactly Robinson will fit in with the team. He doesn't quite have the ballhandling and passing skills to be a true point guard. Like his predecessor Eddie House, Robinson's also a little bit undersized to be a shooting guard. Plus, Boston's first round pick Avery Bradley is a similar type player who will compete for time as well.
In fact if not for Bradley's presence, bringing Robinson back would make a lot of sense. Now, the C's have two undersized guards on their bench and still have a serious lack of depth when it comes to both their big men and swing men. It's curious because their deepest position is also the same spot where the starter has the least concern with point guard Rajon Rondo.
The only way the Celtics will have some success next season is if they have capable backups for the likes of Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. Their age will inevitably become an area of concern next year, and Boston needs to find some young, energetic players like Robinson who can fill in for some of the aging veterans, hopefully keeping them ready for another playoff run.
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