The Detroit Pistons managed to get the better of the Miami Heat on three occasions last season, with each matchup turning into a tightly contested showdown that left a lasting impression on Duncan Robinson.
Now traded from the Heat to the Pistons in a sign-and-trade deal, Robinson recalls the intensity of those games vividly.
“Heat versus Pistons, it feels like every single one had some sort of crazy finish,” he told Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press.
The way the Pistons battled on the court stuck with him – not just the nail-biting conclusions but the grit they consistently displayed.
“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. That’s the type of system you want to play in, those are the types of guys you want to be around.”
Robinson now finds himself in a familiar yet fresh situation, reuniting with former college teammate Caris LeVert. LeVert recently inked a two-year contract with Detroit in free agency, and the two are set to share the court again after years apart.
“Caris and I were really good friends in college and we’ve kept up that way pretty much across our entire careers,” Robinson explained.
Their bond goes beyond basketball – it’s rooted in years of mutual respect and friendship.
“He’s an incredible player obviously. One of the best people I’ve ever been around in terms of a teammate. I’m excited to be back with him.”
Although most of the Pistons roster is new to him, Robinson expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he’s received so far.
“Outside of competing against him I didn’t really know any of these guys too well and they’ve been super welcoming. It is nice to have somebody joining me who also will be new who I do know really well. So that’ll be good.”
Eastern Notes: Robinson, Richardson, Embiid, Dadiet https://t.co/PTE1pFW3OQ pic.twitter.com/QIWZ2ujWsp
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) July 15, 2025
