Duncan Robinson spent seven seasons with the Miami Heat. (Mandatory Credit: Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
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.”
Duncan Robinson will return to Miami for the first time with the Pistons tomorrow.
After spending the first 7 years of his career with the Heat, he’s looking forward to experiencing the other side of the Kaseya Center.
“I’m excited. It should be a fun experience.” pic.twitter.com/W6dlQGQToI
— Jacob Richman (@JacobHRichman) November 28, 2025
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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