In his short time with the Pistons, Duncan Robinson already feels a good thing growing. He smiled when asked what he learned about them on the other side last season and said, "Some crazy games last year, Heat versus Pistons."
Each of the four matchups between Detroit and Miami came down to the wire, with the Pistons winning the last three, including two in overtime and another on a buzzer-beating three by Cade Cunningham. As Robinson said, "It felt like every single one had some sort of crazy finish."
"But I think the thing that sticks out about this group is the physicality, the toughness and how hard they play, and honestly how they share the ball," said Robinson. "And that’s the type of system you want to play in. Those are the type of guys you want to be around."
The Pistons acquired Robinson, one of the NBA's premier sharpshooters, in a sign-and-trade after moving on from Malik Beasley when he came under a federal investigation on gambling allegations, and watching fellow backcourt vets Tim Hardaway Jr. and Dennis Schroder depart as free agents. A career 40 percent shooter from three, Robinson, who got a three-year, $48 million deal with Detroit, will help the Pistons maintain their spacing on offense around Cunningham.
"Cade’s obviously incredibly dynamic with the ball and took a major jump last year and I’m sure he’s going to take a big one again this year," he said. "I’m just excited to be around someone like that who’s such a willing passer and can also create and draw attention for himself as well."
Robinson, 31, is likewise eager to work in tandem with centers Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart, especially coming off screens set the by the 6'10, 250-pound Duren: "JD is a special talent, man. I feel like he’s even gotten bigger and stronger since the season when we played against them. The sky is the absolute limit in terms of his ability, so I’m really excited to play with him, and Stew as well."
"Just the way that they set screens and create opportunities for guys, and both of them are lob threats, with the opportunity to get the ball back to them after hopefully drawing two (defenders)," Robinson said. "Their versatility is special, to be a little more dynamic with the ball in their hands as bigger players, so I’m excited to grow that chemistry."
To Robinson, the team-wide chemistry is already clear. He's been hanging with most of his new teammates and taking in the NBA Summer League the past few days in Las Vegas, enjoying meals together and watching games.
"It’s been awesome," he said. "It’s a great blend of super-ambitious young guys, some guys that have been through it before as well, so I'm just excited to be a part of it. It’s been sort of a whirlwind, but it’s been a fun couple weeks. ... Outside of competing against these guys, I didn't really know any of these guys too well and they’ve been super welcoming."
For Robinson, the move to the Pistons is both a homecoming of sorts after spending four years at Michigan and a reunion with Caris LeVert, one of his college teammates. The Pistons signed LeVert shortly before adding Robinson to further replenish the offense they lost in Beasley, Hardaway Jr. and Schroder. Robinson and LeVert overlapped for one season at Michigan, became close and have kept in touch since.
"Caris and I were really good friends in college and we’ve kept up that way pretty much throughout our entire careers," Robinson said. "I love Caris. He’s an incredible player, obviously, but just one of the best people I’ve ever been around in terms of a teammate, so I’m excited to be back with him."
The Pistons were one of the best stories in the NBA last season, climbing into the playoffs after the worst season in franchise history and nearly taking out the Knicks in the first round. Robinson, who helped the Heat win eight playoff series and make two trips to the NBA Finals in his seven seasons in Miami, is ready to help the Pistons keep ascending the ladder in the East.
"First and foremost, trying to bring some leadership," he said. "I've been a part of some really good teams, I’ve played a lot of different roles, so just embracing whatever is asked of me as an older guy. In terms of on the court, playing the right way, getting other guys involved, using how the defense guards me to create opportunities for other guys, and just competing. Trying to move the needle to help us win.
"This group is super competitive, super ambitious, so I’m excited for it."