The pressure is on Duncan Robinson to address his defensive shortcomings ahead of the new season. While his contributions to the Pistons' success last year were undeniable, his poor defense was a glaring weakness that could cost him his starting role and even his job. Robinson's inability to defend effectively was exposed in the playoffs, where he was targeted by opponents and struggled to keep up with the pace of the game. This is a critical issue that needs to be addressed if he wants to remain a key player for the team.
One of the main reasons Robinson's defense is such a problem is his size. At 6'7" and 215lbs, he is not the most physically imposing player, and this makes him an easy target for physical drivers. However, there are some things working in his favor. His quickness, while an issue, can be masked by a creative defense, and he has the size and athleticism to keep up with most shooting guards. But it's his defensive discipline that needs to improve the most. He needs to avoid fouling unnecessarily, which can be a major issue in the playoffs.
The Pistons have Robinson in a precarious position. While he is a key player for the team, his contract structure means that he has little guaranteed money for the next two seasons. This means that if the team decides he is not worth the $15 million price tag, they can cut him with little repercussions. This puts Robinson in a tough spot, as he will be fighting for his minutes and his job. He will need to step up his defense significantly if he wants to keep his starting role and avoid being cut.
In my opinion, Robinson's defense is his biggest flaw, and it's one that needs to be addressed immediately. While he is a valuable player for the Pistons, his inability to defend effectively could cost him his place on the team. The team needs to find a way to improve his defense, whether it's through training or by finding a way to mask his quickness. Otherwise, he could be on the chopping block before the season is over. The Pistons have a tough decision to make, but it's one that needs to be made soon if they want to keep Robinson on their roster.
