The Detroit Pistons made headlines this summer when they traded for Duncan Robinson, aiming to pair him with star guard Cade Cunningham. However, just a week into the new NBA season, this decision is raising eyebrows as Robinson struggles on the court while his former teammate, Simone Fontecchio, thrives with the Miami Heat.
Pistons Trade and Player Performance
The Pistons were in a challenging situation after Malik Beasley, who had an exceptional shooting season last year, became embroiled in illegal gambling allegations. Beasley had recorded a remarkable 41.6 percent shooting from beyond the arc. His 319 three-pointers ranked eighth all-time, just behind renowned shooter Stephen Curry.
Faced with Beasley’s departure, the Pistons sought to fill the void, ultimately opting for a sign-and-trade deal involving Duncan Robinson from the Miami Heat. In exchange, they sent Simone Fontecchio to Miami. Robinson signed a substantial three-year contract worth $48 million, incentivizing the Pistons to expect significant contributions from him.
Robinson’s Early Struggles
As the season unfolds, the statistics reveal concerning trends for Robinson. He has come off the bench for the Pistons, mirroring Beasley’s role last season, yet his impact has not matched expectations. Through four games, Robinson is shooting only 32 percent from three-point range, with just 7.1 attempts per 36 minutes—his lowest career mark.
Defensively, Robinson has been a liability, ranking as the weakest defender in the Pistons’ rotation. This combination of poor offensive production and defensive shortcomings raises questions about the decision to invest heavily in him.
Simone Fontecchio’s Impact in Miami
Meanwhile, Simone Fontecchio’s performance with the Miami Heat is making the trade decision even more agonizing for Detroit fans. Playing an average of 20 minutes per game, he is scoring 12.8 points while showcasing remarkable shooting abilities. His accuracy stands at 55 percent from three-point range and 72.7 percent from two-point range.
- Fontecchio ranks among the top 10 in true shooting percentage.
- He is also recognized as a positive defender, adding value to his contributions.
- Currently, he is one of the top 20 players in the NBA based on Box Plus-Minus.
While it is uncertain whether Fontecchio can maintain such high shooting percentages throughout the season, his early impact raises significant questions about the Pistons’ strategy. Conversely, it is widely expected that Robinson’s shooting percentage will improve as the season progresses, leading to potential shifts in team dynamics.
Conclusion: Pistons’ Regret Over Trade Decision
The initial returns from the Pistons’ trade for Duncan Robinson suggest they may have made a critical error. The performance metrics indicate that they gave up a productive player in Fontecchio for a player whose output is currently subpar. As the Pistons aim for a competitive season in the Eastern Conference, this early regret highlights the challenges franchises face when reallocating resources and restructuring their teams.
