The 2025 NBA Draft concluded with numerous surprises, but perhaps none more shocking than Kentucky’s Jaxson Robinson going undrafted.
The 6-foot-7 wing, once projected as a solid second-round prospect, now joins a talented group of undrafted free agents seeking to prove themselves at the professional level.
What Went Wrong for Jaxson Robinson in the 2025 NBA Draft?
Robinson’s draft stock plummeted after a season-ending wrist injury derailed what had been a promising campaign. The 22-year-old guard carved out a vital role as Kentucky’s primary perimeter threat, averaging 13 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while shooting 37.6 percent from three-point range.
His length, shooting mechanics, and improved decision-making made him an appealing prospect for teams seeking versatile wings in today’s pace-and-space NBA.
Truly a gutting time for Jaxson Robinson.
An NBA prospect before even coming to Kentucky out of BYU.
It’s truly hard to think about what his stock could have been without the brutal injuries this season.
Surely a guy who will sign somewhere as a UDFA. #BBN #NBADraft— Cole Parke (@ColeParke_wsc) June 27, 2025
However, Robinson’s trajectory took a devastating turn following a practice collision on February 7, 2025, that injured his wrist. Despite playing the next day against South Carolina while listed as questionable, the injury was further aggravated during that game. The wrist problem ultimately required surgery and ended his collegiate career prematurely.
The absence from postseason play and most pre-draft workouts left NBA franchises with limited recent film and persistent medical questions. His recovery timeline extended into late May and early June, severely limiting opportunities to showcase his skills during the crucial evaluation period before the draft.
Scouting Concerns Extended Beyond Injury Setback
Medical issues aside, scouting reports identified several areas of concern that contributed to Robinson’s draft-night slide. Evaluators cited his lack of elite explosiveness and average finishing ability around the rim as recurring weaknesses. While Robinson proved capable as a ball-handler, scouts questioned his ability to create shots in isolation against NBA-level defenders.
His shooting, though statistically impressive, was occasionally streaky, and questions remained about his capacity to generate consistent offense against elite defenses. These limitations, combined with injury concerns, created enough doubt to push him out of the draft altogether.
The unusually deep pool of wing talent in the 2025 draft class further complicated Robinson’s situation. With teams able to select prospects with fewer medical red flags and similar skill sets, he became a riskier proposition despite his proven college production and clear upside.
Path Forward Remains Through Undrafted Route
Despite the draft disappointment, Robinson’s professional aspirations remain alive. His shooting ability and positional size represent highly valued commodities in today’s NBA, where floor spacing and versatility rank among the most prized attributes. The former Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year at BYU possesses the exact skill set that translates well to modern professional basketball.
Robinson’s journey through four different programs during his college career, including stops at Texas A&M, Arkansas, BYU, and Kentucky, demonstrated both his resilience and continued development. Each transfer represented growth opportunities, culminating in his most productive season under coach Mark Pope’s system at Kentucky.
History offers encouragement for talented undrafted players willing to grind their way onto NBA rosters. Robinson will now focus on earning summer league invitations and training camp opportunities, where he can prove that his draft-night omission was an oversight rather than an accurate evaluation of his professional potential.
At the time this article was published, several NBA teams have already expressed interest in Robinson as an undrafted free agent, recognizing that his talent level may exceed his draft position. While his path to the NBA has taken an unexpected detour, his professional dreams remain within reach for a player determined to prove his worth at the next level.
