After seven great years, Duncan Robinson signed a three-year, $48 million deal with the Detroit Pistons this offseason.
Saturday night will mark Robinson’s first return to the 305 with Detroit, who is currently two games ahead of the Heat atop the Eastern Conference at 15-4. Robinson briefly reminisced about his time with Miami ahead of Detroit’s game Friday against the Orlando Magic. And he had some interesting comments regarding #HEATCulture™.
“I think [Heat Culture] is one thing in the building and another thing outside the building,” Robinson told reporters Friday. “In the building, it’s really simple — it’s about trying to maximize every day and put your best foot forward and take advantage of every opportunity.
“Something very similar exists here. It’s not like it’s some secret sauce, like it’s not like it’s totally different than what everyone else is doing. [Pat Riley] is a legend in legend in itself. But I was a beneficiary of the stability of that organization and being there for seven years.”
In Robinson’s defense, Detroit has built a very strong culture in two seasons under J.B. Bickerstaff. The Pistons are two years removed from winning just 14 games. They already surpassed that in their first 17 games.
The former undrafted free agent is arguably the Heat’s biggest success story. Robinson averaged 11.3 points on 39.7 percent shooting from 3-point range, holding the franchise’s all-time lead in long-range makes, 215 more than any other player.
#HEATCulture™ has been mocked plenty of the last several years. Miami has done a good job restoring some order with its start this season. But Robinson’s perspective is quite fascinating, given how successful he became over those seven seasons.
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I wouldn’t say any of his comments were downplaying the Heat culture. Of course its not rocket science, it’s about discipline, commitment and respecting the leadership and understanding everyones roles and putting the team first. It is not about some secret ingredients, but more about doing the right things and having the right attitude. And this is actually not so easy to achieve. If it were, all the organizations would have it.