Meet Duncan Robinson, the latest addition to the Miami Heat’s Summer League roster.
Last night was a quiet one for Miami Heat fans.
Despite prior rumors of the organization doing whatever it takes to land a 2018 NBA Draft pick, president Pat Riley stood firm.
"“There were some opportunities, but because of our situation we felt it was best to pass. The second round pick costs two second round picks or a future second round pick and cash or something. So, you know, when you get into the second round it’s like a lottery, it’s like a game of Monopoly, it’s not worth it.”"
Ergo, as of this morning, the 2018-19 roster remains unchanged.
However, the same cannot be said of the upcoming Summer League team.
After going undrafted yesterday, Michigan forward Duncan Robinson has agreed to play for Miami this summer.
Last year, the 6-foot-8 shooter averaged 9.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists a game in 25.8 minutes of play, earning himself Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year honors. He shot 44.0 percent from the field, and a whopping 38.4 percent from downtown, especially impressive for a player his size.
In fact, he ranks third in his program’s history for 3-pointers made with 237, and ninth for 3-point percentage with 41.9 percent.
Robinson’s best game of 2017-18 came on November 11, against North Florida. He finished with 21 points in 33 minutes on 7-for-13 shooting (including going 4-of-7 from downtown), alongside seven rebounds, three assists, one block and two steals. During that contest, he and teammate Charles Matthews became the first Michigan duo to score 20 points since March 3, 2015.
The 24-year-old went on to score double-digits on 18 more occasions during his senior year.
He also had a solid postseason run.
During the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals, Robinson scored his 1,000th career point, finishing the matchup with 16 points off the bench (including four 3-pointers). He averaged 11.0 points during Michigan’s four games, helping them clinch the tournament title.
But unfortunately, all that wasn’t enough to get him on last night’s draft board.
Even despite going through pre-draft workouts with the Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers and Golden State Warriors. While the Lakers selected another Michigan stud in Moritz Wagner, the 76ers walked away with Shake Milton, Landry Shamet and Zhaire Smith, with the Warriors having taken Jacob Evans.
Still, Robinson’s dreams of playing in the league are far from shattered. It’s no secret that the Heat are both very open to and successful in developing undrafted talent, many of which have actually been discovered via their Summer League performances.
Take Robinson’s former college teammate, Derrick Walton Jr., who was in a similar position last year. Walton went undrafted after initially earning an invite to the NBA Combine, but eventually signed a Summer League contract that turned into a two-way deal with Miami; Walton ultimately saw time in 16 regular season games, averaging 9.2 minutes of play.
Next: Miami Heat Roundtable: No play in the 2018 NBA Draft
It’s safe to say that Miami Heat fans should definitely keep an eye out for Robinson this summer.