Duncan Robinson, the undrafted sharpshooter who became the Miami Heat’s all-time leader in three-pointers, has embarked on a new chapter with the Detroit Pistons after a sign-and-trade deal this offseason. In a candid interview with The Athletic’s Hunter Patterson, the 31-year-old reflected on the highs and lows of his seven-year tenure in Miami, where he signed a historic $90 million contract but grappled with self-doubt and public scrutiny. Now, joining a resurgent Pistons team led by Cade Cunningham, Robinson sees parallels between his resilient career and Detroit’s gritty comeback. Let’s dive into Robinson’s emotional journey, his impact in Miami, and what his move to Detroit means for his legacy and the Pistons’ future.
Robinson’s Miami Legacy
Duncan Robinson’s rise from an undrafted free agent in 2018 to a cornerstone of the Miami Heat is a testament to his work ethic and shooting prowess. Over seven seasons, he averaged 11.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, shooting an impressive 39.7% from three-point range across 423 games, per Basketball Reference. His 1,043 made threes set a franchise record, and he became the fastest player in NBA history to reach 1,000 triples, per ESPN. Robinson’s role in Miami’s 2023 NBA Finals run, where he averaged 9.3 points and 40.3% from three in the playoffs, was pivotal. His five-year, $90 million contract in 2021 made him one of the highest-paid undrafted players ever, but as he told The Athletic, it came with challenges. “The moments in my career, where on paper, are the biggest accomplishment… have been followed by gut-punching setbacks,” he said, highlighting the pressure of living up to his contract and public expectations.
The Rollercoaster in Miami
Robinson’s time in Miami was a whirlwind of highs and lows. Starting as a bench spark, he earned a full-time starting role by 2020, only to face stretches of being benched entirely, as noted by The Athletic. The $90 million deal in 2021 amplified scrutiny, with fans and media labeling him “overpaid,” which he admitted shifted his self-perception. “The public perspective shifted my own perspective of myself,” Robinson said, emphasizing the challenge of separating external criticism from his identity. His anxiety, a constant companion, fueled self-doubt about his worth, despite his elite shooting. “I’ve always had this anxiety of like, ‘Am I good enough?’” he shared. Yet, his “superpower” was a relentless drive to prove himself, treating every season as if he hadn’t achieved anything. This mindset, coupled with his role in Miami’s sustained success, including Eastern Conference Finals appearances in 2020 and 2023, solidified his legacy as a Heat icon.
The Move to Detroit
Robinson’s decision to exercise his early termination option in June 2025 and sign a three-year, $48 million deal with the Detroit Pistons via sign-and-trade marks a fresh start. The Pistons, coming off a breakout 2024-25 season with an above-.500 record—their first in nine years—and a playoff win after 17 years, are a team on the rise. Led by Cade Cunningham, who finished seventh in MVP voting, and boasting their best offensive rating in two decades (116.8, per NBA.com), Detroit offers Robinson a chance to contribute to a young, hungry roster. The departure of Malik Beasley, who set the franchise’s single-season three-point record but left amid a gambling investigation, opens the door for Robinson’s elite shooting. Unlike Beasley, Robinson doesn’t need the ball, making him an ideal fit alongside Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and Ausar Thompson. His 42.5% three-point shooting with Miami last season, per The Athletic, positions him to stretch defenses and elevate Detroit’s offense.
A Resilient Fit for a Resilient City
Robinson sees Detroit’s gritty spirit as a mirror of his own journey. “When I think of a city like Detroit, I think of resilience,” he told The Athletic. “A city that’s seen the highest highs and the lowest lows, and is still finding a way to bounce back.” This resonates with his career arc: undrafted, overlooked, yet rising to historic heights through perseverance. At 31, Robinson is the second-oldest player on the Pistons’ roster, behind Tobias Harris, bringing veteran leadership to a core including Cunningham, Ivey, Jalen Duren, and new additions like Caris LeVert and Paul Reed. The loss of Tim Hardaway Jr. and Dennis Schröder in free agency, per ESPN, underscores the need for Robinson’s shooting to maintain Detroit’s offensive momentum. His ability to thrive off-ball, as shown in Miami’s motion offense, aligns with coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s system, which emphasizes spacing and pace.
Challenges and Opportunities
Robinson faces challenges in Detroit. His defensive limitations, with a career defensive rating of 112.3 (Basketball Reference), could be exposed against athletic Eastern Conference wings like Jayson Tatum or Donovan Mitchell. Integrating into a young roster with ball-dominant guards like Cunningham and Ivey requires chemistry, especially after his up-and-down minutes in Miami. Public perception, which once weighed heavily on him, may resurface in Detroit’s high-expectation market. However, opportunities abound: Robinson’s 4.2 three-point attempts per game at 42.5% last season can open the floor for Cunningham’s drives, and his playoff experience (73 games) adds poise to a team new to postseason success. X posts, like @PistonsPulse’s “Robinson’s shooting is what we need to go deep!” reflect fan excitement. If he maintains his shooting efficiency, he could challenge Beasley’s franchise three-point record.
The Bigger Picture
Robinson’s move reflects broader NBA themes of resilience and reinvention. His journey from undrafted to record-setter mirrors Detroit’s climb from a 14-win team in 2022-23 to playoff contenders. The Pistons’ youth movement, with an average roster age of 24.7 (Spotrac), contrasts with Robinson’s veteran presence, creating a dynamic blend. His story also highlights the mental toll of professional sports, where external narratives can shape self-image, a sentiment echoed by players like Ben Simmons on X. For Detroit, Robinson’s signing is a strategic move to sustain their offensive surge while building around Cunningham. As the Eastern Conference grows tougher with teams like Boston and Milwaukee, Robinson’s role could be pivotal in pushing the Pistons beyond a first-round ceiling.
Duncan Robinson’s departure from Miami, where he etched his name as the franchise’s three-point king, to a resurgent Detroit Pistons marks a new chapter defined by resilience. His candid reflections on self-doubt and public scrutiny reveal the human side of his journey, while his elite shooting offers hope for a Pistons team chasing playoff glory. As he embraces Detroit’s gritty spirit, can Robinson lead the charge alongside Cade Cunningham, or will his anxieties resurface?