The Miami Heat signed Duncan Robinson to a one-year, two-way contract.
The Miami Heat have so little to offer this offseason, at least financially.
Bosom buddies with the 2018-19 salary cap line, Miami’s been reserved in handing out checks, even to their guaranteed talent. Wayne Ellington, the Heat’s archer-in-residence, has yet to tie up his payment just as Udonis Haslem, Dwyane Wade and others wait for Miami’s summer stalemate to break.
That doesn’t apply however, to brand new Heat rookie Duncan Robinson.
Robinson, 24, signed a two-way contract for the 2018-19 season with Miami. He’s been the brightest star for the Heat in the Las Vegas Summer League, leading the team in points per game (14) and shooting 58 percent from 3 through three contests.
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As Miami’s 16th man, Robinson’s signing is a major bonus. Though the majority of his time will be spent in the G-League next year per the guidelines of his contract, Robinson’s development offers the Heat flexibility in moving forward.
His NBA-ready range is an immediate plus, and his work ethic fits Miami’s lore. The Heat are still wrestling with adding Carmelo Anthony to the roster, but Robinson will prove a breath of fresh air on an as needed basis.
Grind Life
Known for its glitzy beaches and neon cityscapes, Miami also harbors some of the NBA’s hardest workers. Haslem is the foremost exemplar of Miami’s rags-to-riches narrative, an undrafted player akin to Robinson.
But such tenacity is propagated through the organization’s entirety. From wind sprints to weekly weigh-ins, Miami’s become synonymous with pushing limits.
Snagging Robinson only further supports this vision.
At 24-years-old, Robinson’s journey to the NBA has taken longer than most. Initially a NCAA Division III athlete at Williams College, Robinson had a turn of fate when he earned a full scholarship to the University of Michigan.
Though he improved his 3-point stroke in each of his seasons with the Wolverines, Robinson’s breakout moment didn’t truly arrive until this summer.
His standout performances run contrary to the type of talent often on display in Summer League. Havign played a full four collegiate seasons, Robinson enters the Association older than many of his compatriots, including former Heat two-way prospect Derrick Jones Jr. (21).
Keeping with his game, even when the NBA tends to covet cradle robbing, has finally paid off, and with a team that can best utilize it. Miami’s takes care of its basketball journeymen, and Robinson is a perfect fit.
Positionless basketball
When it finally comes time for him to take the court however, Robinson already has a leg up in Miami’s system.
A proponent of positionless basketball, head coach Erik Spoelstra will find solace in what Robinson has to offer. At 6-foot-8, Robinson has had the chance to play in both the front and back court in Summer League, adapting his skill set to either role.
Against the Charlotte Hornets on July 8, Robinson started at power forward, running alongside the 6-foot-10 Landry Nnoko. Two nights later, Robinson supplanted Daryl Macon in the back court, playing as an oversized shooting guard against the Utah Jazz’s Trey Lewis.
Offensively, Robinson excels in either role. His willingness to drift to the 3-point line and slip off of screens is incredibly valuable, especially for a team with a roster as fluid as Miami.
Robinson recognizes this talent himself, acknowledging his wholeness as a player.
"“I’m a complete player, I play the right way,” Robinson said.” I’m unselfish, I play for my teammates and like you said, I can make shots.”"
Truthfully, Robinson still has work to do on the defensive side of the ball. Drag him out to the 3-point line on defense and he’s liable to succumb to the pick and roll shuffle, losing sight of the play as he locks onto the ball.
Most importantly however, Robinson’s positional flexibility will be of most use if and when the injury bug comes nipping at Miami’s heels.
Last season, Jones’ two-way contract became most helpful when Tyler Johnson fell to injury. Jones started eight of his 14 games played with Miami, largely substituting for Johnson in the backcourt.
Robinson’s positional diversity however, will bring additional flexibility if injury becomes a problem, hopefully preventing a fallout regardless of where he has to fill in.
The grind is far from over for Robinson. He’d need to spend 46 days in the big leagues for his contract to be guaranteed in the NBA.
Next: Miami Heat: Matt Farrell struggling to find rhythm in Summer League
With Miami still looking for a firm identity as the Eastern Conference goes up for auction sans-LeBron James, Robinson might find himself on the come up with a gang of up-and-comers.