Following a relatively mediocre rookie season in 2019, sharpshooter Duncan Robinson is having a marvelous year for the contending Miami Heat in 2020.
The Miami Heat’s 25-year-old Duncan Robinson has had an amazing story, starting out in a Division III school to eventually becoming a starter for an NBA contender. However, the former University of Michigan standout did experience some adversity to start his NBA career.
During the 2018-19 NBA season, Duncan Robinson was not given much of an opportunity to make an impression by Coach Spo. While participating in 15 regular seasons contests (one start), Robinson averaged roughly three points per game and one rebound per game in only 11 minutes per night.
Additionally, Robinson’s efficiency was notably atrocious in the limited action he received last season. Duncan Robinson produced a 39% field goal percentage as well as only a 29% three-point percentage. Essentially, Duncan Robinson struggled mightily in terms of adjusting to the NBA style of play as a first-year pro.
Miami Heat
However, the 2019-20 campaign has been a completely different story for Duncan Robinson. In essence, following a tremendous showing in training camp and preseason, Coach Spo decided to give Duncan Robinson the starting role as one of the team’s primary starting wings.
Duncan Robinson has shown extremely positive strides in only just his sophomore year at the professional level. While participating in 41 games (36 starts), Robinson has seen an improvement in nearly every single statistical category.
Duncan Robinson is currently averaging roughly 12 points per game, three rebounds per game, and one assist per game on remarkable efficiency splits from the field. Robinson is shooting 46% from the field, 43% from the three-point line, and 93% from the free-throw line, merely relative clicks away from the prestigious 50, 40, 90 Club.
Duncan Robinson could potentially finish the 2020 regular season with 50/40/90 splits, thus entering himself into the elite club of former NBA snipers who have accomplished that feat. The flamethrowing Robinson is finally figuring things out on the offensive end, developing into a deadly three-point shooter, becoming the team’s go-to guy in need a three situations, and becoming one of the league’s premier weapons overall from downtown.
Moreover, considering Duncan Robinson is making over 3 three-pointers per game, he is currently on pace to shatter Wayne Ellington‘s previous franchise record for most three-pointers made in a single season. Furthermore, with the All-Star Game and festivities rapidly approaching, Duncan Robinson should absolutely be considered to participate in the annual Three-Point Shootout.
Although Duncan Robinson must certainly improve on the defensive side of the floor, there is no denying that he has lots of untapped potential on both sides of the ball. As we continue throughout the year, Robinson should play a critical role in the Miami Heat’s current playoff race and the ultimate quest for the franchise’s fourth NBA championship in their history.