The Pistons’ search for a reliable second scorer has quickly turned into one of the early stories of their new season, and Duncan Robinson is making a strong case that he can be that answer next to Cade Cunningham.
Detroit beat the Brooklyn Nets 110-94, and Robinson was right in the middle of it with 17 points. He did a lot of his damage when the game was still unsettled, including 10 important points in the second quarter as the Pistons worked their way out of a rough stretch and started to pull away.
That kind of production matters because of what Robinson changes for Cunningham. Before Robinson settled into the offense, Cunningham was dealing with a cramped floor and too little room in the paint. That’s a problem for a playmaker who thrives in pick-and-roll action and can pile up assists when defenses are forced to react late.
Robinson’s shooting changes the geometry of the floor. Defenders have to stay locked onto him well beyond the arc, which keeps them from sagging into the lane or sending help early when Cunningham drives. Robinson is shooting 41.5% from three, and that kind of efficiency gives Detroit a clean release valve when defenses load up on Cunningham.
Brooklyn gave Detroit a clear example in the second quarter. Cunningham was out for much of that stretch because of early foul trouble, and the Pistons’ young offense had trouble finding any rhythm while facing a double-digit hole. Robinson’s scoring helped steady things when Detroit needed it most.
He also brings value without the ball in his hands. Robinson’s movement through back screens and off-ball actions forces defenders to chase, and that opens up space for others to attack. That matters for players like Ron Holland II and Ausar Thompson, who can take advantage when closeouts get scrambled and lanes open up.
Robinson has also given coach J.B. Bickerstaff another reason to trust him in this role.
He’s averaging 16.8 points per game, along with two rebounds and two assists, and his championship experience with the Miami Heat shows up in the way he handles pressure. He doesn’t force the issue.
He keeps moving, keeps the offense flowing, knocks down shots, and creates easier looks for the people around him.
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What made Wallace such a problem for officials was not only his edge, but the way he used it. Zarba noted that Wallace would work technical fouls into his own routine as a way to fire himself up and lift the team around him, which fits a Pistons group that won with force and attitude as much as skill. Wallace, a 2004 champion and multiple-time All-Star, still owns the league record for technical fouls in a single season, a reminder of just how far that edge carried him. [Read more 🡒]
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Irving has been part of Dallas recent success since returning from an ACL injury, which only adds to the intrigue around any possible deal. For the Pistons, the appeal is obvious: a hot start can sharpen the focus on upgrading the backcourt, but a pursuit of a player with Irvings profile would also come with a steep price and plenty of moving parts still to sort through. [Read more 🡒]
Mavericks Suddenly Face A Real Kyrie Irving Dilemma
Kyrie Irvings strong return from an ACL injury has already put him back in the middle of leaguewide conversation, and not just because of the way he has looked on the floor. Sports Illustrateds Chris Mannix floated the idea that Irving could emerge as a major trade target during the season, with teams such as the Houston Rockets and Detroit Pistons mentioned as possible suitors if the opportunity ever opened up.
For Detroit, it is the kind of name that naturally gets attention because the Pistons are still looking to accelerate their rise and add proven talent to the mix. The Mavericks, meanwhile, continue to value Irvings leadership and influence, even as the speculation around his availability keeps building without any confirmation from the team that he is actually on the market. [Read more 🡒]