Steph Curry shooting school? Yes, please, says new Warriors wing Robinson

SAN FRANCISCO — Last season in Detroit was an aberration in Glenn Robinson III’s mind.

With the Indiana Pacers, Robinson had established a reputation for his jumper. His 3-point percentage continually grew his final three seasons there, going from 37.8 percent to 39.2 to 41.2. The attempts were relatively low, but Robinson cashed them in when given the chance.

Then came his time with the Pistons. Robinson, who was partially brought in to help space the floor, shot just 29 percent from deep. Given the expectations, it was unmistakably a low point in Robinson’s career.

One of Robinson’s prerogatives heading into year six will be rediscovering that jumper, and who better to take advice from than the greatest shooter of all-time?

“I was just talking to Steph (Curry) earlier in practice,” Robinson said. “He made a joke, but I picked it up. He was like, ‘Never look down. Shooters never look down at the line. Don’t worry about it.’ Just picking up little things like that.

“I think just being surrounded by shooters, surrounded by positive energy, those things come naturally. Just watching how much time he spends in the gym perfecting his craft, perfecting his shot, I definitely take that away from him as well.”

Robinson didn’t just heed advice from Curry. Robinson reached out to Andre Iguodala, even watched some of his tape as well. It’s not quite the same as being in the same building, but when a three-time champion provides advice, it’s probably best to take it.

“The biggest thing was watching his cuts, watching the way that he played off the ball, the way he was able to play with Steph, Draymond and get a lot of easy opportunities,” Robinson said. “I got a chance to talk to him. That meant a lot coming from a guy like him. We were able to talk after leaving. I think that I can fill a similar role here on the team and just continue to work.”

His new coach was not surprised at Robinson’s proactive approach.

“It just shows you he’s smart just to check in with a guy who has sat in that seat for six years,” Steve Kerr said. “Glenn’s a pro, he’s been around. It doesn’t surprise me that he’s sought out ways to get better.”

Should Robinson take that advice and translate it to the court, the opportunity for big minutes will most certainly be there.

Robinson is among the candidates who have a shot at the starting small forward role, the others being Alfonzo McKinnie, Alec Burks and even Jacob Evans. No one has emerged as the starter yet, but Robinson did have the opportunity to play on a team with both Curry and Draymond Green in Wednesday’s practice.

Kerr said that he will play several different players out at small forward on Saturday in the Warriors’ first exhibition against the Los Angeles Lakers.

While Kerr has resorted to the center-by-committee system in the past, he doesn’t envision utilizing that same philosophy on the wing.

“It’s a different league these days,” Kerr said. “Small forward is arguably the most important spot on the floor. It’s hard to buy a few minutes here and there with guys. You’ll really need people to step forward and secure a starting spot. It’s a competition and we’ll see how it goes.”