By Mark Haynes | OBSERVER Correspondent
FRESNO — The Sacramento Kings announced the signing of 24-year-old center Orlando Robinson on August 7.
Robinson, a versatile big man, has played in 67 games with the Miami Heat over the last two seasons and most recently for the Houston Rockets Summer League team. This summer, he showcased an impressive performance by averaging 14.2 points and 9.4 rebounds in five games, shooting 58.7 percent.
On August 10, Robinson participated in the Fresno Pro-Am All-Star game. During this event, he gave The OBSERVER an exclusive interview regarding his decision to join the Kings.
“First of all, I’m excited to be back on the West Coast,” Robinson told The OBSERVER. “The Kings are a team focused on winning, and I look forward to helping this team get back to the playoffs and playing at a championship level.”
The former Fresno State Bulldog has wasted no time acclimating to his new squad. He has begun attending training sessions at the Kings’ workout facility and getting to know some of his new teammates. Establishing rapport and discerning his role is crucial for Robinson, as it can determine his inclusion with the team.
“I spoke with De’Aaron Fox, Keegan Murray, and Colby Jones,” Robinson said. “They were in the gym working, and I couldn’t wait to get in there with them and put in some work, too, so I jumped right in.”
Although the Las Vegas native’s focus is creating a new home in Sacramento, he couldn’t resist the opportunity to visit Fresno, a place he once called home. It was for the finale of the Fresno Pro-Am league’s third season and the biggest season ever. The event was also free to the public. Kids received backpacks with school supplies inside, bicycles, iPads, and PS5 consoles.
Fresno Pro-Am commissioner Alton Williams and retired NBA player Quincy Pondexter organized the day. Although the league extended Robinson an invite, scheduling can always be challenging. The Kings’ signing of the center days before the event made things easier.
“Having Orlando return to the Fresno Pro-Am meant a lot to me and the entire community,” Williams told The OBSERVER. “His support and participation in the game highlighted his commitment to Fresno and the importance of giving back.”
Robinson shared similar emotions when asked about what made him participate in the event.
“It means everything to me,” Robinson explained. “I love Fresno. The fanbase was amazing. They were incredible to me during my time here, and I just wanted to pay it back by coming here and playing in this amazing event.”
Robinson is concentrating on getting ready for the upcoming season. While he is grateful for the opportunity he had to play for the Heat, he is focused solely on his future with the Kings. Williams is optimistic that Robinson’s future with the Kings will have a meaningful impact beyond basketball.
“Sacramento is getting an exceptional player in Orlando, but more importantly, they’re getting an outstanding person,” Williams said. “His work ethic, leadership, and genuine character make him a rare talent both on and off the court. He’s the kind of person who lifts everyone around him.”
At the center position, Robinson prepares to compete with Alex Len for minutes in the backup role. He eagerly looks forward to this exciting challenge.
“Sacramento is a new opportunity,” Robinson told The OBSERVER. “And I plan on taking full advantage of it.”
As for the Fresno Pro-Am, Williams shifts his plans to the summer of 2025. This year, Paul George, Jalen Green, Isaiah Thomas, Rudy Gay, and others showed up, but he hopes to get even more names and communities participating next year.
“We plan to make Season four bigger and better,” Williams said. “We hope to see other cities travel to Fresno at some point. It’s all about growing the game and bringing communities together, and we aim to continue that momentum in the future.”