Duncan Robinson spent the first seven seasons of his NBA career with the Miami Heat. During that time, he earned a reputation as an elite shooter who could turn the tide of a game in the blink of an eye. Unfortunately, the Heat ultimately opted against re-signing Robinson and instead facilitated a sign-and-trade with the Detroit Pistons in 2025.
After just one season in Detroit, Robinson has already made it difficult to dispute that Miami gave up on him far too soon.
Robinson has an inspiring success story as a former undrafted free agent who's now eight years into a rather lucrative and productive NBA career. He first entered the Association at 24, but despite concerns about his age, he's developed into a high-level player.
Through eight years, Robinson has made 500 appearances in the regular season and 83 in the playoffs, helping the Heat reach two NBA Finals.
Unfortunately, Robinson's inspiring story and timely shooting weren't enough to keep him in Miami. He struggled during his final two postseason appearances with the Heat, shooting 28.0 percent from beyond the arc across a pair of first-round exits in 2024 and 2025.
Though the Heat had reason to second guess paying the three years and $47,978,871 that the Pistons ultimately signed Robinson to, he's already proven to be worth the money.
No matter what's next, Duncan Robinson was a great signing for Detroit
When Robinson joined the Pistons, his role within the team's system was clear. Detroit ranked No. 20 in three-point field goals made in 2024-25 and, with the offseason loss of Malik Beasley, desperately needed to replace one of the few shooters they had on the roster.
Robinson certainly delivered on his promise to rectify the issue, averaging 12.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.9 three-point field goals made per game on .456/.410/.755 shooting.
While Miami was concerned about how Robinson would perform in the postseason, Detroit was vindicated for its gamble. He consistently stepped up for the Pistons, averaging 11.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 3.2 three-point field goals made on 45.6 percent shooting from beyond the arc.
Robinson also helped save Detroit's season with several critical performances against the Orlando Magic at a time when no one on the Pistons was able to buy a bucket.
The result was Detroit winning its first playoff series since 2008. Though a second-round exit was a tough pill to swallow, Robinson offers a degree of stability moving forward with a front-loaded three-year contract that falls within the range of a team-friendly deal.
Miami had to do something to give itself a new look after the Jimmy Butler fiasco, but Robinson proved that he was given up on too soon.
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