Duncan Robinson is already making waves after making his debut for the Detroit Pistons, as he seems like a great fit on the wing. In many ways, the Miami Heat could already be regretting their move to cut ties with him this past offseason.
Making his preseason debut with the Pistons, Robinson showcased exactly what made him a fan favorite in Miami. Playing around the established stars in Detroit, Robinson finished with 10 points, five rebounds, and two assists on 2-6 shooting from 3-point range.
He filled the gaps on the wing for the Pistons and adds consistent 3-point shooting, something the team needed to replace after parting ways with Malik Beasley. Interestingly enough, after moving on from Robinson, the Heat could find themselves back at square one with a lack of shooting.
That was arguably the biggest risk of this decision. Not just the fact that the Heat elected not to pay Robinson, but also the idea that they didn't necessarily bring in another shooter to replace him.
Sure, there's an argument to be made that the addition of Norman Powell will help make up for the loss of Robinson, but they are very different players, and the former is not as decorated a shooter as the latter.
How much that ends up hurting the Heat remains to be seen, but it almost certainly will. At least to some extent.
Adding salt to the wound
What could end up adding salt to the wound is the idea that Robinson already looks the part as a member of the Pistons. Not only will the Heat have to figure out life without Robinson, but they'll also have to compete against him.
Probably considered in the same tier of the Eastern Conference, depending on who you ask, there's a fair argument to be made that the Heat and Pistons will be fighting for one of the top 6 seeds in the playoff picture.
I wouldn't say if I would go all the way to suggest that Robinson is going to be the deciding factor between the two teams, but there could be at least some element to that - especially if the Pistons are an improved shooting team, and the Heat aren't.
The Heat were always going to miss Robinson to a certain extent. But watching him fit in so quickly on his new team has to be a punch to the gut for the Heat.