Duncan Robinson improved from an undrafted free agent to one of the core pieces on offense for the Miami Heat. As he enters his first real free agency, Pat Riley’s number one priority should be to re-sign him.
He finished top six on the team in scoring in each of the past two seasons. He averaged 13.5 points during the 2019-20 season and 13.1 points last year.
Though this may not seem like a monumental amount, the way he spaces the floor is crucial. Erik Spoelstra draws up specific plays just to get him open looks.
With all that being said, there’s always room for improvement. While he doesn’t know if he’ll be returning to the Miami Heat, Robinson himself said that he would be working on various areas of his game on a recent episode of his podcast, “The Long Shot.”
Robinson said that he was working with a trainer in California to improve his lower body strength and quickness. He also said he wants to develop a go-to two-point shot.
His reasoning is that if he can either get to the line an extra time per game and develop a mid-range shot, that’s an extra four points per game.
Regardless of this, the best aspect of Robinson’s game will be his three-point shot. This is, and always has been, his pathway to success in the NBA.
With the amount of playmaking around him, he’s bound to continuously improve. Next year, specifically, could be the season where he sees a massive jump in scoring.
Kendrick Nunn could be on the way out since the Miami Heat might be hesitant to match any big-time offers he gets. Someone is going to have to step up and replace his scoring load.
While it will likely be a team effort, Robinson should certainly get some more shots. Keeping that in mind, next season could be his best yet.
Final prediction: 15.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 44.1% FG, 41.4% 3PT
This statline would see Robinson improve in nearly every statistical category. With the payday he’s about to get, he should be laser-focused on getting better every day.
Robinson should have a larger role than ever before next season. Regardless of who the Miami Heat sign in free agency, he’ll still be getting plays run for him night in and night out.