Although the Heat failed in the Finals against the Nuggets, Erik Spoelstra’s men have nothing to be ashamed of as they have exceeded the expectations placed on them in this playoff campaign. A great story for a group that hasn’t given up on anything collectively or individually.
Duncan Robinson is also a symbol of the tenacity of this group. Holder during the 2020 Finals, he is one of the many non-drafted players out of the Heat hat. His very good performances even allowed him to sign a five-year, $90 million contract in 2021. But lo and behold, he saw his role diminish in the following seasons. The problem ? His defensive shortcomings, which penalize the team too much.
During this regular season, he only played 42 games, for only one tenure. Lacking pace, his away address dropped to 32.8%, his lowest mark since his rookie season in 2018/19 (28.6%). Result ? His playing time kept dropping, until he was completely out of rotation.
At the beginning of January, he even missed 20 consecutive games due to finger surgery. On his return, he chained the DNPs and even when he comes into play, it is only for a few very short minutes.
“I went through a lot of difficulties and challenges, in different forms, like being in the rotation and then coming out of it, I had to deal with injuries for the first time in my career”he reminds. “I’ve learned to deal with all of that and find ways to overcome those challenges, because I think that’s a skill that you can develop and build on, so in that sense , I think I improved, that’s for sure”.
The revival in the playoffs
As often, it took a twist of fate to move a rotation in the NBA. This twist of fate was Tyler Herro’s broken hand in the very first game of the playoffs, but also Victor Oladipo’s injury. Overnight, Duncan Robinson has found a role and important minutes. And he took his chance. On the first round series against the Bucks, he returned 14 of his 19 3-point attempts, an address of 73.7%!
Although he did not regain his starting spot, he played an important role in Miami’s journey to the Finals. Over all the playoffs, he shot 44.2% from 3-pointers, providing a valuable outside threat, which the Heat lacked in the regular season. His attitude and professionalism were praised in Miami.
“I think it’s a challenge for everyone. Of course, back to back matches will lead to more consistent performances, but that’s not the reality of this league. We talk about it often, there are maybe two or three players in each team who really have the role they want and everyone else makes sacrifices, but it goes with being part of something bigger than oneself » concludes Duncan Robinson. “Of course I’m a competitive person, I want to be on the pitch, I want to help my team win and of course I want to come back being a better version of myself so I don’t end up in this. kind of situation”.
| Duncan Robinson | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Crew | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2018-19 | MIA | 15 | 11 | 39.1 | 28.6 | 66.7 | 0.1 | 1.1 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 3.3 |
| 2019-20 | MIA | 73 | 30 | 47.0 | 44.6 | 93.1 | 0.1 | 3.0 | 3.2 | 1.4 | 2.6 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 13.5 |
| 2020-21 | MIA | 72 | 31 | 43.9 | 40.8 | 82.7 | 0.1 | 3.4 | 3.5 | 1.8 | 2.5 | 0.6 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 13.1 |
| 2021-22 | MIA | 79 | 26 | 39.9 | 37.2 | 83.6 | 0.3 | 2.3 | 2.6 | 1.6 | 2.5 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 10.9 |
| 2022-23 | MIA | 42 | 17 | 37.1 | 32.8 | 90.6 | 0.2 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.1 | 1.8 | 0.3 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 6.4 |
| Total | 281 | 26 | 42.9 | 39.9 | 86.6 | 0.2 | 2.6 | 2.8 | 1.5 | 2.4 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 11.1 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.
