By Greg Woodbury
Former Michigan Wolverine Duncan Robinson is a new piece to the puzzle for the Detroit Pistons, on their way to another improved year in the Central Division.
The 6’7” Robinson is 3 inches taller than Malik Beasley, 2 inches taller than Tim Hardaway Jr.. Coming off the bench that is a big improvement in size. It is also a genuine replacement for 3-point wizard Beasley, who at this point looks to be off the team roster, due to a gambling issue being investigated. Hardaway signed with another team.
Robinson has had a decent career in the NBA since being drafted. In his 7 years with the Miami Heat he averaged a solid 26 minutes per game and about 39.5% from 3-point land over the last 2 years. He also averaged a solid 2.5 assists per game, good for a forward.
Robinson was a forward at the University of Michigan Wolverines from 2015 through 2017. While there he average 46% from the field, 42% from 3-point range, and a fine 86% from the free throw line. He also avg. 4-5 rebounds a game. He led the conference in games played each of his 3 seasons there.
Duncan Robinson figures to be a big part of the Pistons bench spelling the starters. That group will include Robinson, Isaiah Stewart, rookie sharpshooter Chaz Lanier, and 2ndyear player Ron Holland, and newcomer Caris Lavert. The very end of the bench will include Bobbi Klintman, Paul Reed, and Marcus Sasser.
The Pistons in 2024-2025 had an unheard of 30-win improvement over the previous year. Of course that would be impossible to match again, but if they could improve by 10 wins that could be enough to actually vie for the division lead.