3 players who could break into Heat starting lineup

Miami Heat player who could break into starting lineup: 2. Duncan Robinson

Duncan Robinson was a full-time starter for three years before Tyler Herro’s promotion last season. He struggled mightily in his reserve role, appearing in only 42 games and averaging the fewest minutes of his career (16.5) since his rookie season. Robinson, known almost exclusively for his 3-point shot, simply could not get enough 3s to fall. His 32.8 percent success rate made it virtually impossible for Miami to keep him on the floor.

Naturally, Robinson was back to his old self and then some once the playoffs arrived. Call it Heat Culture, call it witchcraft, call it belated positive regression, call it whatever. Robinson looked very much like the player who signed a five-year, $90 million deal during Miami’s run to the Finals.

Whether or not Robinson can carry that momentum into the new season is yet to be seen, but the Heat are still paying Robinson a pretty penny and would no doubt like him to be a regular contributor. In theory, he’s the exact kind of volume shooter the offense needs more of. Miami couldn’t stretch defenses in the regular season. Robinson is a genuine force of gravity on the perimeter, crisscrossing through screens and doing his best J.J. Redick impression off the ball.

Whether the Heat decide to bench Lowry or move Herro back to his sixth-man role, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Spoelstra call on Robinson for starting minutes in 2023-24. He’s comfortable with the offense and his constant movement makes him a natural fit next to Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler, both of whom operate primarily inside the arc.

Defense is the primary drawback with Robinson. He’s 6-foot-6, and therefore more competitive than Herro, but Robinson lacks the core strength and agility to defend high-level playmakers on the perimeter. He’s best stashed away from the action as much as possible. Miami can only afford so many players of that variety on the floor at once, so Robinson does limit Spo’s optionality a little bit.