Miami Heat's Duncan Robinson Manages Success Through The Criticism
Miami Heat forward Duncan Robinson has heard all types of criticism the past few years.
He's too slow on defense. He's one-dimensional on offense. He is way overpaid.
Robinson has handled all with ease. So well that he's in the Heat and NBA record books. On Sunday, he became the fastest player in NBA history to reach 1,000 3-pointers. He needed just 343 games, surpassing Buddy Hield.
Robinson is also the Heat's all-time leading 3-point shooter.
"Just try to stay even keel with it," Robinson said in the postgame interview after the Heat's victory against the Detroit Pistons. "I'm very grateful. I've got a lot of people in my corner, close family, friends, that have just always been in my corner through those times. It's not easy. I try to keep it in perspective also. At the end of the day, this is the greatest job in the world, at least I think so."
The undrafted Robinson finished Sunday with 30 points on 10 of 15 shooting, including seven 3-pointers. He's made it easier for the Heat to play without injured guard Tyler Herro, who is sidelined indefinitely.
But Robinson has seen the other side.
He was benched for most of the 2021-22 season. It gave fans reason to go after him because he had just signed a $90-million contract. Robinson just appreciates the Heat never lost confidence.
"I'm thankful for this organization," Robinson said. "They've rode with me through highs and lows and I'm just thankful for that because I know a lot of places, especially in this profession, don't always function like that."
