Duncan Robinson‘s role in the Miami Heat rotation is, pretty much, the same as it has been for the past two years. But, now there are more expectations due to Robinson’s new $90 million dollar contract.
Contract or not though, Robinson needs to be on the floor more and stay out of foul trouble along the way.
Yes, everyone knows what Robinson provides with his shooting and his spacing when he is on the floor.
From standing in the corner, running around three times to get open once and of course, his and Bam Adebayo‘s world famous dribble-handoff, he gets it done from deep. Defensively, Robinson has also improved to be a solid defender.
With the way Robinson shoots the ball, him being an average defender is more than acceptable. What isn’t acceptable though, are the little reach-in foul’s that Robinson gets called for.
Let’s dive deeper.
Miami Heat: Duncan Robinson Role In Rotation… Knock Down Artist
I couldn’t tell you how many times it would be late in the shot clock and Robinson would play solid defense all the while, only to ruin it by reaching at last minute to commit a silly foul. Robinson needs to not commit silly fouls and it’s really that simple.
It hurts the Miami Heat offense a ton when he is off the floor due to foul trouble. With Miami having Kyle Lowry and Jimmy Butler attacking the basket, it will be important for Robinson to continuously maximize his looks and his ability to provide plenty of spacing for both.
Of course, Robinson needs to be that same knock down three-point shooter that he has been as well. At this point though, it is a given that Robinson will be a 40 percent three-point shooter or better, at worst.
I’d like to see less of the dribble-handoff this year because I feel it makes Bam Adebayo passive. Adebayo, at times, gets to focus on getting Robinson open looks, which is great.
However, Miami needs a more aggressive Adebayo this year. That’s what it will take for them to win a title.
There’s something else that Duncan could do more of too for his Miami Heat. That would be to cut or cutting back door.
Miami Heat: Staying Out Of Silly Foul Trouble Is Key For Duncan Robinson
Robinson, believe it or not, is a pretty good finisher when he actually decides to finish and not pass out of the shot, after he’s jumped in the air. With the amount of running Robinson does to get open, there are opportunities to cut back door for a layup stuffed in between there somewhere.
Defenders are going to be tired of chasing Robinson all game, which will lead to mistakes when tired. It could also just be a twist used to offset, throw the defense off, and keep them on their toes a bit more.
Robinson’s role is simpler than his teammates but that doesn’t mean it’s not as important or pressure-packed. Robinson, rightfully paid, now has expectations that come with that contract.
All players know that, so it’s not breaking news here. To reiterate near the end, Robinson really needs to eliminate the silly fouls that get him in trouble, which puts more of a burden on Miami’s offense.
This is because he provides so much spacing and movement for Miami’s offense that it is so crucial for him to stay on the floor. Miami has a chance to be a top 3-4 seed this year in the East, especially with Robinson being a better defender and a top-five shooter, or better.
Robinson really just needs to focus on cutting back the dumb fouls so he can be on the floor more. That’s the key to it all for him.
He has made really impressive strides to becoming a more well-rounded basketball player. And when it comes to his role as thee preeminent knock down shooter, he’ll always be capable of being that… he just needs to show capable of staying out of foul trouble and on the floor for his Miami Heat.