Thomas Robinson will get another shot in the PBA.
The former NBA cager is set to play for NLEX for the Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup in November, no less than head coach Frankie Lim revealed.
Robinson was supposedly San Miguel’s import in the same conference last season, but suffered a back injury just days before the tourney opened.
The fifth overall pick in the 2012 Draft was replaced by Diamond Stone, and eventually flew back home to the States to focus on his recovery.
Lim, though, is optimistic with the health of the 32-year-old forward based on his recent stint in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional in Puerto Rico.
“Nung nandito kaya ‘di nilaro ng San Miguel, may injury. But he lasted in Puerto Rico. Tinapos niya ‘yung buong season without any injury,” he said.
“I think he’s OK,” he added.
NLEX didn’t encounter any issues as well in acquiring Robinson’s services. The Beermen do not hold his rights since he was never able to suit up, Lim said.
The second-year Road Warriors mentor believes, too, that the club will not face problems similar to Jonathon Simmons with their new reinforcement.
Simmons only played for four games in the last Governors’ Cup as he took an offer from a CBA team, a move that had the team’s blessing.
“Wala naman siguro. I think we’re giving him a guaranteed contract. Kinausap ko siya tungkol doon eh. I’m taking his word,” said Lim.
“Tingnan natin kung maayos kausap.”
Robinson is expected to arrive by the end of the month.