Milwaukee Bucks rumored to be interested in free agent Thomas Robinson

As the Milwaukee Bucks continue to work toward low-cost NBA free agency additions, rumors suggest they may be interested in Thomas Robinson.

Following the surprise of a speedy deal with Ersan Ilyasova when free agency opened on July 1, the Milwaukee Bucks seem to have settled into the kind of low-key pattern that most anticipated their offseason following.

Still, even beyond a decision on Jabari Parker‘s future, the Bucks do need to consider their options toward the back end of the roster, with the potential for minimum signings or use of the bi-annual exception still on the table.

According to HoopsHype’s Alex Kennedy, one of the players who the Bucks may be considering as a candidate for such a role is Thomas Robinson, most recently of Khimki Moscow.

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Robinson will be better known by NBA fans for his rather inauspicious career in the league to date, though, having struggled to truly bed in and make an impact with any team since being selected as the fifth overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.

Now 27 years old, Robinson will undoubtedly be eager for another chance at the NBA, and preferably a chance in a more stable and competitive situation considering his previous history in the league.

Robinson is one of many high profile draft picks over the past decade or so who could be put forward as an example of how the Sacramento Kings have failed to help young prospects develop, while stops in rebuilding situations with the Lakers, 76ers and Nets may not always have been the most beneficial either.

Speaking to HoopsHype’s Kennedy back in July of last year, Robinson stressed his desire for a meaningful opportunity where he could reward the trust of an organization and situation that puts him in position to succeed.

"“I just want that stability, I want to be comfortable. I think every player is looking for that. If I have that, I feel like I can open up my game to another level and help a team even more. I’ve been through a lot since I entered the league. Being in the same place for more than one year – with the same players, the same coaching staff, the same system – would only help me get better. It would allow me to be more comfortable. And if you let me get comfortable, there’s no telling what you’ll get from me.I just want a chance. I want to show an organization that I’m going to be mature, work well with the coaches, earn their confidence, get playing time and then do the right thing on the court when I get those minutes. I can say right now to whichever team signs me: I promise I won’t let you down.”"

In his time in Europe last season, Robinson helped to guide Khimki Moscow to the EuroLeague playoff where they fell 3-1 at the first hurdle to local rival and top-seeded CSKA Moscow. Across 28 games, Robinson averaged 8.4 points and 5.7 rebounds while shooting 48.7 percent from the field.

For the Bucks, Robinson could be a particularly interesting addition in terms of rebounding. In his most recent NBA season with the Lakers, Robinson was among the league’s elite in terms of rebounding percentage, posting similar production to Andre Drummond, Dwight Howard, Hassan Whiteside and DeAndre Jordan. In that same interview with Kennedy, Robinson spoke on that topic confidently:

"“Given the opportunity, I could easily be among the top-10 rebounders in the league. Easily. Not only am I a better rebounder now than I was back in the day, I know what to do after I get the rebound. My basketball IQ and vision have improved so now I realize that I don’t need to go up immediately every time I get an offensive rebound or try to start a fast-break on my own when I get a defensive rebound.”"

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Whether the Bucks ultimately pursue Robinson in a more serious way remains to be seen, but his name can certainly be added to Ryan Broekhoff’s as an indication the team are considering options from slightly further afield this summer.