Robinson "Getting it Back" During Summer League

When star Illawarra import Justin Robinson limped off the court in Round 1 of NBL23, little were fans to know it would define what was to become a difficult season for the NBL’s only remaining foundation club.

Robinson had arrived in the NBL off the back of a flight-laden three seasons in the NBA, where he represented five teams for a total of 43 games. His time in Illawarra was set to be the platform from which he could launch himself into the NBA reckoning.

That wasn’t to be though, and after a season on the sidelines – much of which was spent in Wollongong cheering on his teammates – Robinson recently made his return to the court with the Charlotte Hornets via the NBA Summer League, where at the age of just 25 he is providing a solid experienced presence for burgeoning stars like recent draftees Brandon Miller, James Nnaji, Nick Smith Jr and Amari Bailey.

“The goal was to go to the NBL and then come right back to the NBA,” Robinson told NBA Media. “That kind of got derailed for me. I’ve been out for a long time – it’s been eight months since my meniscus tear.

“[My agent and I] have had conversations with the Charlotte Hornets the past couple of years. When the opportunity came after draft night with the team needing some point guards on the Summer League roster, the call came through and we accepted it.

“These are my first organised runs in eight months so right now, it’s just the timing and stuff – getting it back. It’s great to have a great group of guys around me.”

Robinson will not be one and done with the Hawks though – he’s returning to Illawarra for another season following signing a contract extension earlier this off-season, where he cited “unfinished business” as a key reason for returning to the Hawks.

He’s averaged 5.6 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists across 14.7 minutes per game for the Hornets in the Summer League. He’s made five appearances to date, and he’s beginning to really ramp up his output.

“The way Illawarra went about my surgery and then giving me that security coming off an injury was a big sigh of relief,” Robinson continued.

“Even being able to come to an event like this and be the vet of the group, I get a chance to show my worth and get back in the flow.

“I’m 25 and seeing guys come in at 18, 19 and just being the vocal guy. That guy on and off the court to take care of everybody.

“Play some games, get them under my belt, get back and get ready for what’s next.”

Robinson is one of a large contingent of current and former NBL players currently representing various sides at Summer League. 

“The league’s growing,” Robinson said of the NBL.

“I want to say in the next NBA draft there’s something like five players projected to be chosen from the NBL. Scouts are coming over there every game.

“Living in Australia is great, the league is growing and the people over there are great.”

Illawarra’s opening game of the NBL24 season will come against the Sydney Kings on Saturday, September 30.