Nate Robinson looks back on Game 7, the Perk trade and missed opportunities ahead of Big 3 appearance at Garden

Nate Robinson did not last more than a year in a Celtics uniform, but he definitely left a lasting impression. He delivered critical contributions for Boston during its 2010 run to the NBA Finals (Game 6 vs. Magic, Game 4 vs. Lakers) before being essentially benched in Game 7 by Doc Rivers (played just three minutes in the defeat).

After a disappointing statistical start to year two in green, he was the forgotten piece packaged with Kendrick Perkins in the shocking trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder that brought Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic to Boston.

Robinson has been out of the NBA for a couple seasons now, but he'll be back at the TD Garden Friday night, along with a host of former Celtics for the Big 3 Tournament. Bostonsportsjournal.com caught up with Robinson this week to discuss the Big 3, his Celtic memories and regrets, the future of Kyrie Irving in Boston and much more.

What has it been like playing in the Big 3 during your first year here?

Nate Robinson: It's fun. Honestly, I can't even lie. It's fun. It's challenging because everyone is trying to post me up. 3-on-3, you have to hold your own. You're on your own island, playing against another opponent. You have to win your matchup.

Looking forward to getting back to the Garden again? 

Robinson: I expect it to be like it was when I was playing here. The fans are awesome. They give you a lot of energy. They just want to see fun and hard-playing basketball.

What do you remember most about your time in Boston? Your big game in the Finals? The Game 6 against the Magic?

Robinson: I mean, all of those plays man. Shrek and Donkey. Even when Shaq was there, that was pretty cool. The fans showed love. It went so fast. It only got two half-seasons in. It was fun. I enjoyed my time. I'm looking forward to Friday.

I know you have touched upon your disappointment about only getting to play three minutes in Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals in the past. How much does it wear on you to this day?

Robinson: It doesn't wear on me. It just sucks because it's hard to get to Game 7. It's hard to get to the Finals. You always want to help and contribute to that. You want to be a reason why you guys are there and why you win. Not having an opportunity to play and help our team, it was tough to watch. Just say me and Baby play our average, we win the game. I think we lost by four points? I know for sure I can score four points and Doc didn't give me that chance. It wasn't there.

Did Doc tell you guys before the game that he wasn't going to play you much?

Robinson: Ya, that's basically what he said. He said he was going to stick with the guys that got us there and he wasn't going to play me and Baby. Baby was upset. He was really mad. He was kicking himself since he was so angry. I just had to stay in my place. I had to roll with the punches.

Fast forward to next season. You were the other piece involved in the shocking Kendrick Perkins deal. What are your memories from that situation?

Robinson: That whole situation was tough. It blindsided everybody because we were number one in the East at the time when we made that trade. We went on a nice little win streak.  Rondo went down and Doc was starting me for a little bit. I got to play some good, solid minutes with the team. It's kind of hard to describe because I think it was bad timing on the Celtics part. They should have given us more of an opportunity to show us what we can do. It happens. It's all good now.

Which guys in the Big 3 have impressed you the most to this point?

Robinson: Reggie Evans. He should still be in the league. I don't understand a guy like that who gets rebounds, sets screens, who is tough, I don't get that one. Andre Emmett gets buckets all the time. He's pretty good. Corey Maggette is in great shape. Birdman, Amar'e Stoudemire, a lot of people really look solid. NBA wants to go young I guess. I don't know what they want to do.

You feel like it's harder for veteran guys to get a spot now with so many teams trending towards rebuilding in this era?

Robinson: I don't know. I don't think that there is anyone in the NBA that can do what I do and come off the bench and get buckets like I get buckets. That's just me though. Maybe that's not what they are looking for, ya know? You just have to wait and see and keep pushing.

You worked with Kyrie Irving on Uncle Drew last summer and obviously know him a little bit. There has been a lot of speculation about his future in Boston beyond 2019 when his contract expires. If the Celtics take care of business next year and make a deep run to the NBA Finals, could you envision him walking away from that?

Robinson: I mean, you have to imagine if you were in the NBA and you get an opportunity to play where you are from. Are you going to pass on that? I don't think I could pass on that. I don't think I could pass on playing for the Sonics no matter how good my team was. It represents something, even more than just basketball. You're representing your whole state, where you're from. I don't know. Kyrie -- he's a smart individual. Different. He's dope. He knows what he's doing. We'll see. I think the Celtics have a great opportunity and a great chance to make it back deep into the playoffs with a healthy Kyrie. They did it without Kyrie Irving. That just shows what kind of a team they have. They have a dangerous team. I'm excited to see them this upcoming season.

Finally, you and Isaiah Thomas both have Washington roots. What do you expect from him this year after a tough 12 months?

Robinson: I expect IT to be IT again and be the player I know he can be. He's going to shock some people this year because they are already counting him out. It kind of sucks, but I know for him, he's going to use it as fuel. That's going to be fun to watch knowing he has so much to prove.