Pistons are learning harsh Duncan Robinson lesson the Heat already knew
Duncan Robinson has been stable for the Pistons all season, however Detroit is now seeing his largest weaknesses uncovered in essential video games. As the Heat realized in direction of the finish of his Miami tenure, Robinson tends to shrink in the playoffs and may get hunted on the defensive finish. The Pistons will not be able to afford another poor showing towards a troublesome Magic staff, so that they want to determine this challenge instantly.
Duncan Robinson wants to supply his worth
Robinson ended Game 1 with a stable stat line on paper: 9 factors and 4 assists whereas taking pictures 3-of-8 from the discipline, together with 3-of-6 from deep. He was environment friendly in his pictures, however the downside is that he did not shoot extra when Cade Cunningham clearly needed more help from his teammates. By taking pictures extra typically, particularly when he was hitting his pictures, Robinson may have supplied simpler spacing for Cunningham.
The Pistons as a complete fought mightily from three-point vary. Robinson and Cunningham had been the solely Pistons to hit a number of threes in the sport. In such a dire taking pictures scenario, they want their finest shooters to maintain launching fairly than minimizing their position in the offense.
On the different finish, Robinson was attacked relentlessly by Orlando’s ball handlers. In the finish, the Pistons went with a worse offensive option in Daniss Jenkins to shut the sport as a substitute of Robinson due to the defensive issues. Even although Robinson has performed his half this season in the staff scheme, he is nonetheless weak as an isolation defender.
Miami already made these realizations
There’s a motive the Heat had been content material to let Robinson go final summer season after having him be an important a part of the staff for years. Despite being the franchise’s all-time chief in threes, Robinson was solid off by Miami due to his playoff points. The Heat correctly recognized that their staff wouldn’t have the ability to conceal their weaknesses in a playoff setting and it wasn’t value holding him round.
The Pistons must be higher geared up to cover Robinson’s weaknesses, a minimum of on protection. Of course Detroit has extra defensive playmakers and a stronger staff construction total. But they are asking much more of Robinson on offense, which may trigger totally different issues.
If the Pistons aren’t capable of determine it out, they could find yourself in the similar place with Robinson that the Heat finally reached. Since 2022, Robinson discovered himself coming off the bench for the Heat and taking part in restricted minutes. Because of his clear weaknesses, the Heat may solely play him prolonged minutes in sure matchups.
Robinson performs an especially essential position for the Pistons, however they could be compelled to scale it again if he is not viable in a playoff setting.
