The Pistons might pursue shooting upgrades in the trade market, but they must hold on to Duncan Robinson in the process. Robinson has been a constant in the Pistons' starting lineup this season because of his value as a shooter and spacer. If the Pistons do bring in more shooting via a trade, it must be in addition to Robinson rather than an attempt to replace him.
Duncan Robinson has quietly been instrumental to the Pistons' success
Robinson might not seem like the most natural fit for the Pistons at first glance. His defense doesn't quite fit into the team's overall tenacity in that department and he's only averaging 12 points per game - hardly a game-changing amount. But Robinson is crucial as the Pistons' only reliable 3-point shooting threat.
He's in the top 20 of the NBA in total threes made and shooting 39% from deep on 7 attempts per game. His willingness to get threes off, even against light defensive coverage, bends defenses and opens lanes for his teammates. Robinson's offensive impact goes far beyond his raw scoring average and that's why he's maintained a starting spot over other talented guards on the roster.
With the Pistons at full health, Robinson's outside shooting threat is a perfect complement for the deadly pick-and-roll combination of Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren. Robinson's constant movement also occupies defensive attention at all times, which creates opportunities for his teammates without even touching the ball.
But last night, Robinson showed that his game isn't entirely limited to a complimentary role. With the Pistons missing their three leading scorers (Cunningham, Duren and Tobias Harris), he stepped up to carry the offense. He scored 20 points out of the team's total 92. Not only did Robinson hit his fair share of threes (5-of-7 in the game), but he also attacked closeouts with drives as well.
It was a surprising all-around scoring explosion for the veteran guard and further solidified him as an important piece on the roster. The Pistons could certainly use more reliable shooting on the roster to further elevate the offense. But Robinson himself is not the problem, despite his defensive limitations.
If the Pistons are aggressive in seeking upgrades to compete for a deep playoff run, there are plenty of other veterans they should look at trading before Robinson. Both the aforementioned Harris and Caris LeVert are prime candidates to ship out. But including Robinson in any trade would likely be a mistake, even if another solid shooter came back in the return.
Duncan Robinson has seamlessly fit into the Pistons as a selfless shooter and mover. The Pistons would be best served acquiring more guys like that rather than trading away their most productive veteran.