The Detroit Pistons didn’t think they would need to find a Malik Beasley replacement because they didn’t think they would lose Malik Beasley. Maybe they won’t — but for the time being, Duncan Robinson is acting as that replacement, meaning the Pistons (unintentionally) swapped one elite movement shooter for another.
Pistons fans will soon learn what Heat fans have known for years; that Robinson is one of the best shooters in basketball, both at a standstill and on the move (39.7% for his career) but he doesn’t provide much in the way of offensive creation or defensive upside.
Luckily, that might not matter in Detroit because, well, neither did Malik Beasley — and he was still a perfect fit with this team last year. With Ausar Thompson, Ron Holland, and new addition Javonte Green (who I think will find a spot in this rotation) all on the wings, the Pistons should be able to cover for any deficiencies from Robinson on that end.
Pistons might have enough defensive presence to compensate for Robinson
In Robinson’s best seasons in Miami (2019-2022) the Heat were still a great defensive team (defensive ratings of 11th, 7th, and 5th in those three seasons). That’s because the other regular starters on that team — PJ Tucker, Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry, and Bam Adebayo — were all capable of shutting down their respective matchups.
For the most part, you didn’t notice what Robinson didn’t bring to the defensive side, because his teammates covered for him so well. Rather, you noticed what he brought on the offensive end, which was 752 made three-pointers in that stretch. Three straight seasons of more than 230 made 3s is remarkable. Granted, he hasn’t made over 200 in a season since, but maybe a change of scenery and structure gets him back to that high-volume sharpshooter he was not too long ago.
JB Bickerstaff can’t just toss Duncan Robinson out there with any other four-man group. Rather, he needs to make sure he plays with units that complement his skills. A wing duo of Robinson and Ausar Thompson would be fascinating purely because I can’t think of two more different players in NBA history. Could they balance each other out perfectly? Could be fun to find out! Groups with Robinson and Holland on the wings and Ausar playing the four? I could be sold!
