Duncan Robinson’s path from an undrafted Division III longshot to a $100 million success story remains one of the defining achievements of the Miami Heat’s development system. On Saturday night, during his first game back in Miami since leaving in the offseason, he showed his former team exactly what they gave up. 

Robinson scored 18 points and helped lead the Detroit Pistons to a 138-135 win, the clearest statement victory of their season so far. He shot 50 percent from the field and added five rebounds, five assists and a game-best +17.

Before tipoff, Robinson spoke with the Miami Herald and reflected on his sign-and-trade move to Detroit. He told the outlet that leaving was ultimately the right choice for both him and the Heat, acknowledging that the decision brought clarity for everyone involved.

Miami paid tribute to Robinson with a pre-game video at Kaseya Center, an uncommon gesture for a player without All-Star selections or titles. His place in franchise history is solid. He is the Heat’s all-time leader in made 3-pointers, hitting 1,202 of them at 39.7 percent across seven regular seasons. 

According to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, only nine players in league history have made at least 1,000 3-pointers at 39 percent or better over a seven year span, a group that includes Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Paul George, CJ McCollum and Buddy Hield.

Robinson’s rise from Williams College to Michigan to the Heat became one of the NBA’s most notable development stories. His Miami tenure included two trips to the NBA Finals and three runs to the Conference Finals. Speaking about his experience to the Miami Herald, he said the years he spent with the Heat shaped him both personally and professionally.

Robinson’s appreciation for the franchise was genuine, but his on court role diminished. He started 209 of his first 239 games, then only 74 in his final three seasons as his minutes fluctuated. When he triggered his early termination option this summer, both sides entertained the possibility of a reunion, but Miami’s need for future salary flexibility prevented them from matching the outside offers.

Robinson eventually signed a three year, forty eight million dollar deal with Detroit. Miami facilitated the move through a sign and trade that brought forward Simone Fontecchio and his eight point three million dollar expiring contract to South Florida. In a conversation with the Miami Herald, Robinson admitted that he initially expected to remain with the Heat and that the realization he was leaving came as a surprise.

Now 31 years old, Robinson has become a key piece for a Pistons team sitting atop the Eastern Conference standings. He is averaging 12.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.5 steals while shooting 40.1 percent from deep (as of this writing). Detroit brought him in to provide reliable spacing for Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Jaden Ivey and a deep young core, and he has met every expectation.

He has also regained the confidence that defined his best years in Miami, showing he has plenty left to contribute in a prominent role.