Former No. 21 overall pick in the 2005 NBA draft by the New York Knicks, Nate Robinson believes young NBA players have it easier and may be focused on the wrong things.
The former University of Washington star is weighing in on the state of the league with some critic, but also optimism for the future, led by stars like Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs.
His recent remarks on players chasing the bag over the legacy and who he thinks is positioning themselves as the best in the NBA, was one of many topics discussed in an interview with Heavy.com in association with casino.org, where you can review online gambling.
The 41-year-old also provided a health update after almost losing his life to kidney failure and also discussed the recently cancelled boxing match between Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Jake Paul, who once knocked out Robinson in devastating fashion during the pandemic. Read the entire interview here.
GettyLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 21: LaMonica Garrett, Nate Robinson and John Schriffen pose for a photo during a game between Ozone and Buzzsaw at the Cox Pavilion on July 21, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images for SlamBall)
Nate Robinson Told Outlet Players Only Care About Money
Robinson recently told Hoops Hype that young NBA players are losing credibility for constantly chasing more money instead of achievements.
“See, when I was a kid growing up, I wanted to make it to the league. It wasn’t about the money,” Robinson told the outlet. “The money comes with making it to the league. Now, for young kids, it’s all about the bag. It’s not about earning respect from your peers who played before you.
“I wanted Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson. I wanted them to respect the game I brought and the way I played. These young cats fell off that. They lost that, they don’t care. They think they’re just as good as the guys before them. They don’t pay homage, they don’t pay their respect, they don’t pay their dues. They think they’re like that because of how much money they’re making.
“You’re making a lot of money, but your game doesn’t equate to what you’re being paid. You’re not playing like the GOATs and the guys before you. They don’t appreciate your game. I played for the appreciation and love from the players before me. That was a big thing… I wanted them to respect my game. They’ve lost that part of the game, and they need it back desperately.
But on Monday, he expanded on his thoughts in an interview with Heavy.com, discussing the state of the league. He said he admires many of the young players and believes the game is ready to evolve, but he stood by his earlier comments that the grind isn’t the same as it was in his era.
“Back in the day, getting to the pinnacle, getting to the NBA seemed like it was a harder task,” Robinson said. “There’s different avenues now. There’s different gateways and portals to get to the league. It’s changing in many ways.”
“The players are changing, the players are evolving. You got centers shooting threes, step back and dribble. Back in the day, if someone was good at shooting threes, it be that person shooting. It’s gonna be fun to see what the league looks like 10 years from now.
Nate Robinson Says Four-Point Play, One Free Throw in League’s Future
Robinson has some guesses for what the NBA could look like in the future, including having a four-point line on the court.
“Before you now it they’re gonna start adding four-point plays and shooting one free throw for two points,” he said. It’s gonna be a different NBA and different world soon.”
The Big3, a 3-on-3 league, features a four-point line marked by three designated circles on the court. Robinson played in the league prior to his health scare.
Nate Robinson Has Thunder Repeat But Says Watch Out for Wemby, Spurs
GettySAN ANTONIO, TX – NOVEMBER 8: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs grabs a rebound against the New Orleans Pelicans in second half at Frost Bank Center on November 8, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
When asked who he’d consider the top players in the NBA, he named the usual suspects — Victor Wembanyama, Luka Dončić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
He thinks the Oklahoma City Thunder are built to repeat as champions, but likes the developments happening in San Antonio with the Spurs.
“I think San Antonio is doing a good job of doing what OKC did with draft picks,” Robinson said. “Picking the right guys. I think San Antonio is back on what they wanted with David Robinson, adding Tim Duncan, then Manu (Ginóbili) and Tony (Parker). I think they’re back on that again. San Antonio is gonna be a team, not right now, but this year they will open a lot of people’s eyes. I think the next couple years, they’ll be a team that wins a championship soon.”
“The LeBrons, the Kobes, the Jordans,” Robinson added. “You want to … set a mark on this league and in the history books. (Wemby) is a great player. Very young but upside is crazy. The ceiling is through the firmament.”
If Wemby continues dominant play and winning games, Robinson thinks he can win MVP. “How can you not?” he said. “When you’re a fan favorite and the fans of the world really rock with you like that? How can you not?”
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