After a successful close in California, the Miami Heat traveled to Las Vegas for their second portion of NBA Summer League action. Led by a sensational debut from Marcus Garrett, the Heat would continue their winning ways after securing a, 88-78, win over Boston.
Even with their first-round selection, Nikola Jovic, going scoreless in 14 minutes, the Heat were able to maintain a sizable lead throughout Saturday’s matchup.
While their backcourt depth continues to look balanced, there was also great frontcourt production which allowed Miami to remain afloat.
At the forefront of that production, Orlando Robinson continues to play a critical role for this Miami summer group. The mobile and agile big man keeps on showing you the stuff that got him here and perhaps—just might keep him here.
Just 24 hours after agreeing to a deal, the Heat’s latest Exhibit 10 signee posted 12 points with eight rebounds—and added two rejections against Boston.
Miami Heat Summer League: Orlando Robinson Shows Promise After Exhibit 10
As one of four Heat players to reach double-digit scoring, Robinson is establishing a good level of comfort on the floor. Once Miami overcame some early offensive struggles during the California Classic, it wasn’t long before Orlando could finally make his strides.
ORLANDO ROBINSON HAS THE CLEAR FUNDAMENTALS OF A MODERN-DAY CENTER.
Since the Heat had begun their Summer League adventure, it’s been a steady incline for Robinson, a 22-year-old big man who’s listed at seven feet and 235 pounds.
Right off the page, what should excite you most about Orlando’s game is his physical profile.
With a 9’2” standing reach, he’s an active rim-protector and has great hands to catch difficult passes. While he’s not quite a potent rebounder due to his slighter frame, Robinson has often had the length advantage over other opposing centers.
Orlando has also displayed some versatility when given the chance too. That’s the one thing that really excites you about the developmental prospects of the big man.
He has the game and size to contribute immediately in a role, even if a small one, but has the tools and potential to become one of the next great Miami Heat developmental finds and gems.
Miami Heat Summer League: With Robinson’s Tools, He Could Just Be A ‘Gem’
He’s quick enough to play the power forward position and has a willingness to facilitate. To add to that, he’s a relentless under-the-basket finisher with a more than solid enough footwork game to get there.
He has the ability to get to his spots on the floor—each and every single one of them. And on top of that, he doesn’t shy from the occasional face-up opportunity either.
Superb 2-way play by Heat signee Orlando Robinson, scoring on the roll from a great pass then protecting the rim on the other end. Lots to like about Miami's next developmental project. pic.twitter.com/Q3vSafBA0E
— Naveen Ganglani (@naveenganglani) July 9, 2022
In each game, you have seen those flashes where Robinson has the opening to, simply, take over and abuse his matchups. One of the ways in which he’s done so, thus far, is by operating in the mid-post and driving to draw contact.
- Orlando Robinson led Miami in free-throw attempts in two of four Summer League games and converted 6-of-8 from the line against Boston.
The fundamentals are quite similar to what Hassan Whiteside had—whenever the former Heat center was invested in giving his all. Although not as physically imposing (as Hassan), Robinson has shown he can establish his own dominance by using spin gathers to position himself closer to the basket.
ROBINSON IS PROVING TO BE NEXT IN LINE FOR A HEAT DEVELOPMENTAL PUSH
As he’s started in all four outings so far, the three-year Fresno State product is demonstrating why he belongs under an NBA team’s developmental system. Wasting zero time to ink the undrafted center, the Heat are solidified at the position that includes star big man, Bam Adebayo, Omer Yurtseven, and Dewayne Dedmon, who recently re-signed in free agency.
Barring any changes, this Summer League stint won’t be the last time you see Robinson in a Miami Heat uniform. Perhaps, one should expect him to be a viable center option for Miami’s G-League affiliate, Sioux Falls, next season.
This would put Orlando one step closer to, quite possibly, entering the rotation one day. And you certainly hope that happens, because between his gifts and the Miami Heat’s ability to get the absolute most out of a guy, he really could be a special find.