Duncan Robinson’s rise from an undrafted Division III prospect to a $100 million NBA success story remains one of the Miami Heat’s proudest player-development feats. On Saturday night, Robinson reminded his former team exactly what they lost.
Returning to Miami for the first time since his offseason departure, Robinson scored 18 points and helped propel the surging Detroit Pistons to a 138–135 victory — the franchise’s statement win of the season.
Robinson shot 50% from the field and added five rebounds and five assists while netting a game-high +17 in the plus-minus column.
But his performance wasn’t one of revenge; rather, it was a moment of closure.
“It was probably the best thing and the right thing,” Robinson told the Miami Herald before tipoff, reflecting on the sign-and-trade move that sent him to Detroit. “I think undoubtedly this is probably the best thing and the right thing, maybe arguably for both organizations — myself and the Heat.”
Heat Honor Robinson With Tribute Video for Historic Run
The Heat honored Robinson with a tribute video before the game at Kaseya Center, a gesture seldom reserved for players without All-Star nods or championships. But Robinson’s place in Heat history is secure: he is the franchise’s all-time leader in three-pointers made.
He buried 1,202 threes at a blistering 39.7% clip during his seven regular seasons in Miami — joining elite company. Only nine players in NBA history have made 1,000 or more threes while shooting at least 39% over seven years, according to the Miami Herald’s Anthony Chiang. The list includes Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Paul George, CJ McCollum and Buddy Hield.
Robinson’s ascent from a Division III player at Williams College to Michigan transfer to undrafted longshot to Heat starter became one of the league’s great modern development tales. His Heat tenure featured two NBA Finals appearances and three conference finals runs.
“I’ll always think of my time in Miami as some of my most formative years,” Robinson said. “I learned what it meant to be a professional, how to deal with adversity, what it meant to sacrifice and be part of winning. I’m forever grateful.”
A Sudden Goodbye: Why Robinson Left Miami
Despite Robinson’s gratitude — and the Heat’s appreciation — his role dwindled. After starting 209 of his first 239 games, he started just 74 total in his final three seasons and occasionally fell out of the rotation.
When he exercised his early-termination option this summer, both sides hoped a return was possible. But Miami could not match outside offers while attempting to regain salary-cap flexibility.
Robinson ultimately signed a three-year, $48 million contract with Detroit, with Miami facilitating the move via sign-and-trade that brought forward Simone Fontecchio — on an $8.3 million expiring salary — to South Florida.
“I never really thought hard about being anywhere else,” Robinson admitted. “I was optimistic we’d find something to work. When it became clear I was leaving, it was a shock.”
A Perfect Fit in Detroit — and a Starter Again
Now 31, Robinson is thriving as a full-time starter for the East-leading Pistons. He is averaging 12.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.5 steals while shooting 40.1% from three.
The Pistons envisioned him as a floor-spacer for Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Jaden Ivey and one of the league’s deepest young cores — and Robinson has delivered.
He has also rediscovered the confidence that defined his early Miami years.
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