Robinson hoping to help lead 76ers 'on the path towards winning'

Three weeks shy of his 24th birthday, Thomas Robinson oddly finds himself one of the most experienced players on the Philadelphia 76ers.

Of the 15 players on the Sixers' roster, Robinson, the fifth overall pick only three years ago, ranks fifth in terms of career games played with 173 and is the seventh-oldest player on the team.

It's a strange situation for Robinson to have landed in, but it's a potentially beneficial one. Moved for the third time in his young career at the trade deadline, he was subsequently waived and expected to sign with the Brooklyn Nets for a late playoff push. 

Instead, the 76ers swooped in and claimed him, keeping him from the Nets and pushing themselves above the salary floor - and saving a shade under $2 million - in the process. 

Robinson may ultimately get more playing time in Philly with which to audition for the rest of the league ahead of unrestricted free agency this summer, but it would be understandable if Robinson was disappointed about landing with the Sixers. 

After originally tweeting about his excitement over joining the Nets, Robinson deleted the tweet, replacing it with the following note: 

One game into his Sixers career - he scored seven points and grabbed six rebounds in 13 minutes Wednesday - he's saying all the right things about his new opportunity.

"I’m an energetic player, rebounder, defensive stopper, I lead by example and will get vocal if I have to," Robinson said. "I want to win and get this team on the path towards winning."

He's not exactly in a position to complain or criticize the 76ers if he wants to keep a positive public profile ahead of free agency, but forgive anyone who doubts Robinson will be around when Philadelphia eventually starts winning. 

In the meantime, he should see plenty of touches to rehabilitate his market value. There are worse fates for a waived player.