After losing out on some potential free agent targets at the wing position, the Pistons retooled by signing Duncan Robinson to a 3 year/$48M deal.
The sharpshooter and one-time Michigan Wolverine comes to the Pistons with seven years of experience on the Miami Heat. In that time, he was frequently a starter and contributed to two Finals appearances.
Robinson would not have been the first choice offseason addition for most Pistons fans, but I do believe he is severely underrated. He has been an elite shooter almost every season of his career, and is the Heat’s franchise leader in 3s made.
Last week I advocated for the Pistons pursuing Luke Kennard, who ultimately signed with the Hawks, who I labeled as one of the best shooters in the world. While I think Kennard is a better pure shooter, Robinson has one major advantage which can make him a bigger offensive threat: mentality.
Duncan Robinson: Sniper who can do more for the Pistons
Duncan Robinson has never been shy about shooting 3s in the NBA. As an undrafted player who clawed out of the G league on the back of his 3 point shooting, Robinson knows his role is to aggressively hunt 3s and spread the floor. For his career, he averages 7.2 3-pointers attempted per game in just 26 minutes of action - an attempt rate matched only by players like Stephen Curry. Robinson’s willingness to shoot even slightly contested 3s keeps defenders glued to him even at the cost of leaving teammates open.
Robinson is often perceived as a one-trick pony but has actually made some significant improvements in the last two seasons on some of his weaknesses. In particular, his ball handling and ability to attack the rim has taken a leap. This adds another dimension to his game and makes him very dangerous attacking closeouts.
Robinson is not a strong defender but the Pistons ecosystem can help him contribute on that end. He has been a part of good defenses in Miami before when surrounded with big athletic defenders and the Pistons are able to offer the same now.
Financially, the Pistons got Robinson on a very team-friendly deal. Reportedly only the first year of his contract is fully guaranteed so the Pistons will have ample flexibility with his situation later in the contract. The signing also ended up being a sign and trade where the Pistons sent back Simone Fontecchio, who did not provide positive value for the team last season.
Hopefully Duncan Robinson can fit into the Pistons rotation well as a bench role player and spot starter. His shooting and expanding offensive game should open up lanes for his teammates, and he may be able to adequately replace the shooters that the Pistons have lost this offseason.