Q: Ira, how do you view Duncan Robinson’s legacy? The contract or the 3-pointers? Were we too harsh on him? – Nelson.
A: It is a layered conversation that has to start here: He was the right player at the right time. The experience with Duncan Robinson showed that with a properly motivated player, the Heat’s developmental program could turn a diamond in the rough into a showpiece. In fact, if it didn’t start in the NBA for Duncan with the Heat, there might not have been an NBA career. That said, his Heat tenure also was a case study of sometimes overstating such developmental projects, as evidenced by his five-year, $90 million contract. Ultimately, it turned into a more equitable four-year. $70 million deal, when considering the invoking of his early-termination option. But, still, carrying that type of Robinson salary on the books proved to be burdensome against the cap, tax and aprons. The contract also turned into a cautionary case study of paying a player who could not stay on the floor because of his defense. In the end, Duncan Robinson stood as the most consistent and enduring 3-point shooter in the franchise’s 37 seasons. But he also ultimately stood as a salary-cap teaching point.
Q: So when can we start the Damian Lillard countdown to Miami since he was waived by the Bucks after the shocking move of Myles Turner leaving the Pacers and heading to Milwaukee? – Rodney, Sarasota.
A: Um, now? Basically, in every Heat rumor from the past six months, just sub in the name “Damian Lillard” for “Kevin Durant” when it comes to Heat conjecture.
Q: Not even Tim Hardaway Jr.? – Sam.
A: No, not even Tim Hardaway Jr., a player you figured would cycle through Miami at some point, based on the time he spent in the facility as a youth. But, no, off to Denver for the minimum. And quite the haul for the Nuggets so far, with Cam Johnson, Bruce Brown, Jonas Valanciunas and Hardaway Jr. The Heat and Nuggets both in the NBA Finals two years ago . . . and one making moves.
Originally Published: July 2, 2025 at 6:05 AM EDT