Duncan Robinson
What a journey it’s been for Duncan Robinson. The sharpshooter has had a career resurgence, earning an expensive contract with the Heat just to get overshadowed by Max Strus. However, starting in the 2023 playoffs, Robinson has shown glimpses that he’s more than meets the eye, with more play-making and driving attacks to his arsenal.
His two-man game with Adebayo has yet to be figured out and has been a valuable weapon, with Spo subbing the two players at the same time. Since Herro’s injury, Robinson has averaged 18 points per game, five rebounds and around four assists a game, a huge step up from his career averages. Even when he has an off-shooting night, Robinson takes it to the basket instead of sitting out on the perimeter as he had done in years past.
He’s also had some signature moments already, including shaking Wenbenyama on a fake spin and scoring the bucket.
Duncan Robinson just took Victor Wembanyama to school 🤭 pic.twitter.com/H1YhzdgDjn
— Bally Sports Sun: HEAT (@BallyHEAT) November 13, 2023
If he can keep up this type of production, Robinson will prove to be one of the most valuable role players for the Heat.
Haywood Highsmith
The return of Haywood Highsmith cannot be understated. The 3-and-D player has taken the next step for Miami and with Spo inserting him into the starting role, the Heat have gone 7-0 and 18-1 all-time with Highsmith starting.
He’s been putting up more shots, averaging a career-high eight points per game with four attempted threes per game. Highsmith’s impact on both ends of the ball has not gone unnoticed. Per Brady Hawk of 5 Reason Sports, when asked about what has gone right in the Heat’s winning streak, Butler said that it was because of Highsmith and his new starting role.
He’s filled in the “small-four” archetypes that Miami loves (i.e. P.J. Tucker and Jae Crowder) and could turn out to be the best of the bunch.
Overall, the Heat’s role players have stepped up tremendously. A more-than-meets-the-eye deep roster was quietly assembled and has proved itself while Adebayo and Herro lead the way. So far in the Butler era, this squad may be his best one yet.