Could Duncan Robinson be the Miami Heat’s next acquisition?
So far, this summer has been uneventful for the Miami Heat.
Short of signing Derrick Jones Jr. to a two-year contract, they’ve been sitting out free agency, instead focusing on developing the talent they already have.
They have yet to even re-sign Wayne Ellington, something that the front office said was their main priority heading into the offseason.
However, president Pat Riley‘s next move may be just around the corner.
Enter Duncan Robinson, a league-hopeful who is currently playing for the Heat’s Summer League team.
Having started off his collegiate career at Williams, the swingman transferred to Michigan before his sophomore year. He quickly became a 3-point specialist for the Wolverines, averaging 9.3 points on 41.9 percent shooting from downtown (45.5 percent from the field), finishing his run ranking fourth in school history in 3-pointers.
Robinson ultimately went undrafted in June though, slipping into Summer League play in search of a NBA contract.
And he very well might find himself with one soon.
Specifically, a two-way contract with the Heat and their G-League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
"“…to me he’s an elite shooter and he’s proven that so far here,” said vice president of player personnel Chet Kammerer. “I think he’s done a little bit more than we anticipated. He’s had two dunks now off the dribble in the half court, which were kind of unexpected. And (Saturday) he had six rebounds in 20 minutes. Those are big factors.”"
The 24-year-old has started all five of Miami’s Summer League games, averaging 12.4 points on 57.8 percent shooting, going 62.9 percent from beyond-the-arc.
Which has definitely been a sight to see.
A high-volume 3-point shooter who has also exhibited versatility?
Sounds like a pretty great fit.
However, Summer League isn’t over quite yet. And other guys like Rashad Vaughn have also stepped up for the Heat. Plus, there’s always the possibility that another ball club has their eye on Robinson too.
After all, Derrick Walton Jr., who was on a two-way contract with Miami last year, wasn’t even playing for the Heat when they discovered him.
And the organization will certainly be scouting from other teams again this time around.
"“Derrick Walton Jr. didn’t play for us (last summer) he played for another team,” Kammerer said. “We’re here evaluating other players we think could be a good fit for us. … We’ll definitely have a good feel for everybody by the end of the week.”"
Nothing is set in stone just yet, but it seems like it would be in Miami’s best interest to hold onto Robinson, going into the regular season.
Next: Miami Heat: 3 reasons to make a Kevin Love trade
Another two-way deal may be on the horizon for the Miami Heat.