The Nets Spent Two Second-Round Picks on a Veteran Big Man
New Jersey acquired Clifford Robinson from Golden State on February 14, 2005, surrendering second-round choices in the 2005 and 2007 drafts. The Nets had a competitive core featuring Jason Kidd, Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson and wanted a defender who could switch between forward and center responsibilities. Robinson was a proven veteran but past his peak scoring years. Golden State chose two future chances to add lower-cost prospects rather than carrying the rest of the center's contract. The trade was recorded before the February deadline.
Robinson Contributed Across Several Nets Playoff Seasons
Robinson played the remainder of 2004-05 for New Jersey and stayed with the team through 2006-07, giving the Nets years of frontcourt defensive experience. He was useful as a veteran reserve and occasional starter when the club needed more size or a matchup option. The Nets reached the postseason in each of those years, although Robinson was not their primary scorer and his contribution varied with age and injuries. That practical availability was meaningful for a team focused on advancing past the opening playoff rounds.
The Draft Selections Became Taft and Lasme
The 2005 choice given to Golden State became Chris Taft, taken forty-second overall, while the 2007 choice became Stéphane Lasme at No. 46. Both were legitimate attempts to find athletic defensive big men late in the draft. Neither developed into a sustained Warriors rotation fixture. Taft made only a short series of NBA appearances, and Lasme's Warriors opportunity was even briefer before he later played for Miami. Golden State cannot use Lasme's other-team career or international seasons as evidence that its 2005 acquisition produced a dependable contributor.
The Nets Realized Their Role-Player Investment
New Jersey exchanged two uncertain second-round slots for frontcourt depth it could actually deploy on playoff teams. Golden State obtained the right to develop two younger athletes, which wasn't valueless, but the realized league production stayed limited. Robinson did not make the Nets championship contenders by himself, and his earlier Phoenix and Portland accomplishments should not be included. His sustained receiving-team presence nevertheless exceeded the combined Warriors careers of the two drafted players. The existing Nets-winning verdict was supported by the asset outcomes, not merely the reputation of the veteran.
Final Verdict
Nets Win. New Jersey earns A- for Clifford Robinson's defensive rotation work spanning the balance of 2004-05 through 2006-07 and multiple playoff appearances. Golden State receives C for the two second-round picks that became Chris Taft and Stéphane Lasme, neither of whom developed into sustained Warriors depth. The Nets secured the more useful direct return.