Duncan RobinsonHis $16 million salary this season doesn’t become fully guaranteed until Jan. 10, but he doesn’t have to worry about losing a roster spot. He is averaging 19.7 points, 2.3 assists, 2.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game during pistons 3-0 start.
“He carries so much weight and so much gravitas. The shots he makes aren’t always easy, so that defense is frustrating as well.” coach J. Bickerstaff said, trans Hunter Patterson of The Athletic. “Now it’s going to make people put more bodies on him, and it’s just going to open up the game for everybody else. Obviously, he does a great job. He makes shots, but the way he hunts them down and creates them, too. And then more than that, his teammates keep getting him the ball and keep finding him.”
Robinson currently ranks second on the team behind the superstar Cade Cunningham.
“Dun did it. He did it when he was against us with Miami, and he did it at a higher level for us.” Cunningham said. “So that’s who he is. He’s perfecting his craft. He’s the best in the world at it. He just makes it easier for everybody.”
Here’s more on the Pistons:
- Power forward John Collins was the club’s biggest free agent signing this offseason. Like Robinson, he’s off to a solid start, averaging 15 points and 7.7 rebounds. Bickerstaff also appreciates Collins’ enthusiasm. “Both sides of the sword; there is universality” Bickerstaff said, trans Coty Davis of the Detroit News. “With his size, he shot 40.0% from 3 on the year. His ability to pressure the rim. He can attack smaller matchups and put guys in the post. His spirit is unwavering. He brings the same positive attitude every day. First and foremost, the team just wants to compete and win. He fits in well with our group.”
- with Jalen Duren at least two weeks due to a hamstring strain, Paul Reed becomes even more important for the front area. Reed is averaging 11 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists. Reed’s $5.6 million is fully guaranteed in January, and he will be a free agent after the season unless he signs an extension. “Offensively, I think he’s made great strides,” said Bickerstaff Amari Sankofa of the Detroit Free Press (Link to Twitter). “His ability to finish around the rim in so many different ways … you watch him practice and he works on what he plans to put into the game.” Scoach ixers Nick Nurse also praises the great man Patterson tweets. “He just hustles and slides to keep .balls alive. He’s a great finisher and played really, really well for them.” he said.
- Ausar Thompsonwho missed the team’s win at Philadelphia on Sunday, returned to the lineup against the Knicks on Tuesday. Isaiah Joe (right hip contusion) missed the game, Patterson tweets.