Jaxson Robinson injury: UK player to undergo wrist surgery
Following Saturday’s loss to top-ranked Auburn at Rupp Arena, UK coach Mark Pope announced Robinson will have surgery on his wrist next week.
Robinson has worked out for the Kings and Warriors, and has upcoming visits with the Suns, Cavaliers and Celtics.He underwent surgery in March for a torn ECU tendon sheath and was medically cleared for contact last week.
Jaxson Robinson is making up for lost time.
The University of Kentucky senior forward hasn’t been able to participate in many NBA pre-draft workouts as he’s worked his way back from a season-ending injury to his right wrist.
Robinson said he’s made just two visits so far, with the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors, and has four more remaining this week, one of those with the Phoenix Suns.
Robinson said he also has scheduled visits with the Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics.
“Try to knock them all out before the draft,” Robinson said. “It’s been tough since I’ve been injured, but just getting these last workouts in, trying to get my face in front of people so they can see me again.”
Robinson wound up having surgery in March.
“He’s got a torn sub sheath to his ECU tendon,” Kentucky coach Mark Pope said when announcing Robinson would undergo surgery. “So what’s happening is it’s slipping out.”
Robinson had initially missed four games with the injury. He returned on Feb. 26 at Oklahoma and reaggravated it.
“We kind of knew he needed surgery,” Pope continued. “He just wanted so badly to play. He rehabbed it. Had an injection to try to make it functional and then he was doing OK and then he went down in the first half (at Oklahoma). It’s in a groove and the sheath around it that holds it in place, that’s just ripped.”
At the time, Pope said it was a three-month full recovery from the injury.
“He’ll be good the first of June, end of May,” Pope added. “Continue on with his great basketball career.”
Right on schedule, Robinson said he just got medically cleared to do contact last week as he skipped the NBA Combine last month in Chicago. The draft is June 25-26.
“I think I’m just kind of going through the process of getting back in shape while doing these workouts,” he said after his pre-draft workout with the Warriors on June 17.
“Definitely been tough, but when you’re trying to make a career for yourself, you do what you got to do.”
Robinson admitted there’s “a little bit of nerves” with the pre-draft workouts, adding “there’s a lot at stake,” but felt he got his feet wet in his first one with the Kings.
“Just trying to take advantage of every opportunity,” Robinson said. “I started late. I’m kind of playing catch-up as far as just workouts. A lot of guys have already had a lot of workouts. Just trying to make the most of this opportunity and hopefully see some success.”
Robinson averaged 13 points, 3.5 rebounds and shot 37.6% from 3 in 24 games this past 2024-25 season for Kentucky, his fourth school in five years.
The 6-6 wing started his college career at Texas A&M, where he spent one year. Robinson then went to Arkansas for a year, played the next two at BYU and finished at Kentucky.
Robinson has set out to show his “defensive versatility” in being able to guard multiple positions.
“I feel like that’s going to get me on an NBA floor,” Robinson said. “Just trying to prioritize that and show that I can guard.”
Robinson sees similarities between him and New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III in terms of body type and style of play.
“That’s a player I definitely compare myself to a lot,” he said.
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