Detroit Pistons player preview: Expectations for Glenn Robinson III

NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 18: Glenn Robinson III #40 of the Indiana Pacers talks to the media at a press conference during State Farm All-Star Saturday Night as part of the 2017 NBA All-Star Weekend on February 18, 2017 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Tyler Kaufman/NBAE via Getty Images)

Up next in our player preview series is Glenn Robinson III. Steve Pelletier breaks down his expectations for the Detroit Pistons’ forward in 2018-19.

I don’t think I’m being presumptuous when I say that most Detroit Pistons faithful were excited by the signing of Glenn Robinson III this off-season.

With the team in tight financial times, and there being a lack of wing depth, it’s pretty amazing that they were able to sign him on such a cheap deal. He signed for less than $5 million and he’s under 25 years old. That, ladies and gentleman, is a steal.

I mean sure, Robinson hasn’t played a whole lot, and he’s been a career backup averaging 14.7 minutes per game. So there is a reason as to why his arrival came at such a frugal price.

In addition to his minutes per game average, he’s only started 33 of the 172 games he’s played in as a pro. Twenty-seven of those 33 starts came during the 2016-17 season, so it’s a limited sample size.

Robinson’s numbers aren’t eye-popping either. Here’s a look at his per 36 averages, which gives us a better sense of the impact he could provide if given more time:10.8 points, 1.4 assists, 5.5 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game.

So he provides a decent amount of scoring, as you can count on him to crack double digits just about every night.

Now he isn’t much of a facilitator, as his assist numbers are low. That’s a bit concerning. But he’s a solid rebounder for his position, which is always a plus. Steals and blocks are nothing spectacular. I’m of the mindset that these stats are not always indicative of how good of a defender a player is or can be.

As far as his career shooting percentages go: 47.7 percent from 2-point range, 38.1 percent from 3-point land, and 70.7 percent from the free-throw line.

Those are definitely above-average numbers (except for his free-throw percentage, which is low for a forward who can shoot it so well otherwise) for someone whose primary skill is as a shooter.

So, what can he do to help the Detroit Pistons? The following are the areas of his game that could make the biggest difference.