Pistons Regret Trade as Duncan Robinson Struggles On Court
The Detroit Pistons made a significant move this summer by acquiring Duncan Robinson from the Miami Heat. The decision was meant to bolster their roster alongside star guard Cade Cunningham. However, just one week into the season, this trade is already being questioned as Robinson faces challenges on the court.
Pistons’ Dilemma and the Trade for Robinson
This offseason, the Pistons were faced with a pressing issue. Malik Beasley, a standout shooter last season, had encountered legal troubles which forced the team to look for alternatives. Beasley recorded an impressive 41.6 percent shooting rate from beyond the arc, ranking among the best in NBA history. With 319 three-pointers made, he was critical to Detroit’s offensive strategy.
- Beasley’s shooting percentage: 41.6%
- Three-pointers made: 319
- Historical ranking: 8th all-time
As the Pistons pivoted, they weighed their options heavily. Despite Tim Hardaway Jr.’s efforts, he offered little defensively. The only internal candidate was Simone Fontecchio, known for his solid 3-and-D skills but lacking a history of high-volume shooting.
The Sign-and-Trade Details
Ultimately, the Pistons executed a sign-and-trade with Miami, sending Fontecchio to the Heat and acquiring Robinson. This deal came with a hefty price tag of $48 million over three seasons. Despite Robinson’s credentials as a prolific shooter, his early performance has been concerning.
Robinson’s Struggles on the Court
In the initial four games of the season, Robinson has struggled to make an impact. Currently coming off the bench, he averages only 7.1 three-point attempts per 36 minutes—the lowest of his career. His conversion rate is equally troubling, hitting just 32 percent of those attempts.
- 3-point attempts per 36 minutes: 7.1
- 3-point shooting percentage: 32%
Compounding these difficulties, Robinson has been the weakest defender on the team, leading to an overall negative impact on the Pistons’ performance. Early evaluations suggest the Pistons may have made a misstep in their faith in Robinson.
Simone Fontecchio’s Impressive Performance
Adding to the Pistons’ turmoil, Simone Fontecchio’s performance with the Heat has been outstanding. Despite limited minutes—averaging just 20 per game—he is excelling, posting 12.8 points per game. His shooting accuracy is remarkable, hitting 55 percent of his three-pointers and 72.7 percent from within the arc.
- Fontecchio’s points per game: 12.8
- 3-point shooting percentage: 55%
- 2-point shooting percentage: 72.7%
Additionally, Fontecchio’s defensive capabilities allow him to contribute beyond just scoring. He’s currently ranked among the top ten in true-shooting percentage and is a positive presence for the Heat, demonstrating exactly what the Pistons hoped to gain from Robinson.
Future Outlook for Robinson and the Pistons
While it’s early in the season, questions remain about whether Robinson can turn his performance around. Historically, elite shooters like Robinson tend to improve their shooting percentages over time. However, the Pistons currently face criticism for investing in a player who is underperforming compared to a talent they let go.
This trade could prove to be a significant miscalculation for the Pistons as they aspire to compete in the Eastern Conference. The ramifications of this decision may echo throughout the season, and the team’s management might soon reflect on the trade with regret.
