The Detroit Pistons certainly added to their perimeter shooting with the addition of Duncan Robinson, through the help of the Miami Heat via a sign-and-trade. However, they're going to quickly realize that the Duncan Robinson experience is an unpredictable one. It's this realization that Heat fans know too well.
Robinson will go down as one of the bigger success stories in Heat history. If there's any one player who epitomizes the Heat's developmental success, it's Robinson. He went from being undrafted to being littered all over the Heat's history books. In many respects, Robinson will be remembered as the best shooter in team history.
However, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows during Robinson's seven seasons with the Heat. And that's something that Pistons fans much quickly realize before they get caught off guard when the season arrives.
Robinson's journey with the Heat
There's not much negative anyone could say about Robinson's developmental journey with the Heat. It was far from easy and can't be oversimplified. But Robinson did admit he battled something that resembled impostor syndrome early on in his career with the Heat.
Robinson seemingly overcame that to help the Heat make two NBA Finals runs. During that journey, he also managed to sign a historic $90 million contract. With the pressure of that contract on his shoulders, he managed to fall out of the good graces of the Heat, in which there were times he fell completely out of the rotation for Miami, and then still managed to work his way back up.
He also had to navigate through back injuries over the last couple of seasons, but still was able to put that behind him.
Overall, Robinson had his ups and downs as every supporting player has during the course of their NBA careers. Even though the Pistons should expect an up-and-down experience with Robinson, one thing they should also be looking forward to is the work ethic and willingness Robinson brings.
He's not the greatest defender, but the effort will be there. He's also grown as a capable passer and can do more with the ball in his hands, off the dribble, than many originally believed he had the potential to do coming out of college. He's also a great team and locker room presence.
Robinson is not the perfect player, but he's certainly one who is going to make an impact for the Pistons. But, as Heat fans know, it won't be smooth sailing. And maybe that's what makes the journey more fulfilling and memorable.