NATE ROBINSON

Nate Robinson’s instant offense and tremendous heart sparked the shorthanded Chicago Bulls to beat the Brooklyn Nets and take on the Miami Heat.  But was it enough to keep him on the team or was it fool’s gold and will he soon be forgotten?  Read more after the jump.

Shay Marie

Derrick Rose didn’t return from his ACL injury, Kirk Hinrich went down with a calf injury and the Chicago Bulls found themselves low in guard depth.  Nate Robinson stepped in and stepped up big leading Chicago to a triple overtime win over the Nets and helping to steal game 1 in Miami.  Now Robinson is a free agent and will be seeking a multi-year deal something the Bulls may not be willing to pay, not only because of the money but because everyone will soon be healthy again giving them more depth.

Via Aggrey Sam of CSN Chicago:

With Rose’s expected return next season, Hinrich having another deal on his contract and rookie point guard Marquis Teague needing at least the opportunity to develop in game situations, it’s unlikely that next season will be in Chicago for the instant-offense scorer and fan favorite.

If it was up to Robinson, though, the little man with the big heart would be back in the Windy City.

“I would love to. Honestly, I really would, but knowing the guys we have here, I know it’s probably limited space for me. But we’ll see how it goes. Talk to my agent and stuff like that and figure out what’s the best plan for me,” the loquacious speedster said. “I love this team, I love these guys and if I could stay here, it would be wonderful.”

Robinson averaged 16.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in 33.7 minutes per game during the playoffs.  While there are teams out there who are willing to pay for this production they will also have to take in Robinson’s full body of work; his questionable shot selection, his dip in field goal percentage and sometimes volatile personality.  His heart and impact however is undeniable.