Nathaniel Cornelius Robinson is an American former professional basketball player. Robinson played college basketball for the University of Washington before being selected as the 21st overall pick in the 2005 NBA draft.
You can follow Nate Robinson’s biography, personal details, career details, relationship status, net worth, career earnings, stats, achievements, and more here.
Nate Robinson’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full name | Nathaniel Cornelius Robinson |
| Nickname | KryptoNate |
| Birth date | May 31, 1984 |
| NBA Draft | 2005: Round 1, Pick 21 (Phoenix Suns) |
| Position | Point Guard |
| Last team | New Orleans Pelicans |
| Shirt number | Various (including 2, 4, 10) |
| Debut year | 2005 |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Weight | 180 lb (82 kg) |
| Birthplace | Seattle, Washington |
| Nationality | American |
| School | Rainier Beach High School |
| College | University of Washington |
| Current net worth | $20 million |
| Relationship status | Divorced |
| Instagram profile | @naterobinson |
Nate Robinson was born on May 31, 1984, in Seattle, Washington. He grew up in a family with a strong athletic background, particularly in football.
His father, Jacque Robinson, was a former NFL running back who played college football for the University of Washington. Nate’s mother, Renee Busch, operated a beauty salon in Seattle.
College Career
Nate Robinson had an impressive college career at the University of Washington from 2002 to 2005. During his freshman season in 2002-03, he scored an average of 13.0 points per game and earned a spot on the All-Pac-10 Freshman Team.
His junior season in 2004-05 was his most impressive, as he averaged 16.4 points per game. Robinson was also named to the All-Pac-10 first team for the second straight year and was a finalist for the prestigious Wooden Award.
Professional Career
Nate Robinson was drafted 21st overall by the Phoenix Suns in 2005 but was immediately traded to the New York Knicks, where he began his NBA journey.
Robinson spent his first 5 seasons with the Knicks. His best season with New York came in 2008-09 when he averaged a career-high 17.2 points per game.
In February 2010, Robinson was traded to the Boston Celtics, where he played for parts of two seasons. He then had brief stints with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors before joining the Chicago Bulls for the 2012-13 season.
With the Bulls, Robinson had a resurgence, averaging 13.1 points and 4.4 assists per game. He played a crucial role in the Bulls’ playoff run, including a memorable 34-point performance in Game 4 against the Brooklyn Nets.
Robinson’s later career included stops with the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, and New Orleans Pelicans. Throughout his NBA career, Robinson won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest 3 times (2006, 2009, 2010), a record he shares with Michael Jordan and Zach LaVine.
Relationship Status
Nate Robinson was in a long-term relationship with his high school sweetheart, Sheena Felitz. The couple had 3 children together: Nahmier (born October 26, 2004), Nyale (born July 16, 2006), and Nayvi (born September 17, 2009).
Their relationship ended due to Robinson’s infidelity. It was revealed that he had a 4th child (Nasir) with another woman.
In 2016, Robinson publicly apologized to Sheena for his actions. The apology did not reconcile their relationship. Robinson later shared a photo of Sheena and their children, indicating their separation.
Nate Robinson’s Net Worth Details
Nate Robinson’s net worth is estimated to be $20 million as of 2025.
Earnings
Throughout his NBA career, which spanned from 2005 to 2016, Nate Robinson earned a total of $23,846,583 in salary.
| Year | Team(s) | Annual Salary ($) |
| 2005 | New York Knicks | 1,102,680 |
| 2006 | New York Knicks | 1,185,480 |
| 2007 | New York Knicks | 1,268,160 |
| 2008 | New York Knicks | 2,020,179 |
| 2009 | New York Knicks | 4,000,000 |
| 2010 | Boston Celtics | 4,200,000 |
| 2011 | Oklahoma City Thunder / Golden State Warriors | 5,291,403 |
| 2012 | Chicago Bulls | 1,146,337 |
| 2013 | Denver Nuggets | 2,016,000 |
| 2014 | Denver Nuggets / LA Clippers | 1,572,250 |
| 2015 | New Orleans Pelicans | 44,094 |
Career Stats
| Category | Regular Season | Playoffs |
| Games Played | 618 | 32 |
| Points Per Game | 11.0 | 8.6 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 2.3 | 1.4 |
| Assists Per Game | 3.0 | 2.3 |
Achievements
- 3-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (2006, 2009, 2010)
- NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2006)
- Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year (2005)
- First-team All-Pac-10 (2005)
FAQs
1. Who is Nate Robinson?
Nate Robinson is a former NBA point guard known for his incredible athleticism despite being only 5’9″. He played for eight NBA teams over 11 seasons and is the only player to win the NBA Slam Dunk Contest three times (2006, 2009, 2010). He also played college basketball at the University of Washington.
2. What are Nate Robinson’s career highlights?
Robinson’s career highlights include winning three Slam Dunk Contests, leading his high school team to a state championship, and earning Venezuelan League MVP honors in 2017. He was also known for his scoring ability, clutch performances, and energy on the court.
3. What teams did Nate Robinson play for in the NBA?
Robinson played for eight teams: New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City Thunder, Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, and New Orleans Pelicans. He was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 2005 but traded to the Knicks.
4. What health challenges has Nate Robinson faced?
Robinson has battled kidney disease for nearly two decades. Diagnosed in 2006, his condition worsened over time, requiring dialysis starting in 2020. In February 2025, he was scheduled for a kidney transplant after years of searching for a donor.
5. How did Nate Robinson perform in the Slam Dunk Contests?
Robinson won the Slam Dunk Contest three times (2006, 2009, 2010), showcasing his extraordinary leaping ability despite his height. His performances remain iconic and solidified his reputation as one of the best dunkers in NBA history.
6. What other sports did Nate Robinson excel in?
In high school, Robinson was a standout athlete in basketball, football, and track. He initially attended the University of Washington on a football scholarship before focusing on basketball full-time.
7. What is Nate Robinson doing post-retirement?
Post-retirement, Robinson has hosted podcasts like Pod Crashers, launched a clothing line called “Holdat,” and raised awareness about kidney disease. He also ventured briefly into boxing in 2020 but lost to Jake Paul in a high-profile match.
8. What is Nate Robinson’s legacy in basketball?
Robinson’s legacy lies in his fearless playing style, ability to overcome height disadvantages with skill and determination, and his record-breaking Slam Dunk Contest wins. He inspired many as an underdog who thrived against taller opponents.
9. How has Nate Robinson raised awareness about kidney disease?
Robinson has publicly shared his battle with kidney disease since 2022 to encourage others to prioritize their health and seek medical help when needed. His openness has inspired many facing similar struggles.
10. Why did Nate Robinson transition to podcasting and entrepreneurship?
Robinson transitioned to podcasting and entrepreneurship to share authentic stories from players’ perspectives and explore creative ventures beyond basketball. He co-founded “Holdat” with Carlos Boozer and enjoys connecting with fans through these platforms.
