Pistons’ Duncan Robinson could fix Rockets’ biggest issue

The Houston Rockets are watching the second round of the playoffs from the sidelines. They were eliminated in six games at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Throughout the series, it was abundantly clear Houston needs more three-point shooters. In the playoffs, Houston made only 10.0 threes per game and shot a measly 30.2% from deep. Both marks were the worst among playoff teams.

The team should see some internal improvement next season with a healthy Kevin Durant and Fred VanVleet coming back into the fold. However, in the modern NBA, you can never have enough three-point shooting.

Watching the rest of the playoffs, hopefully Rafael Stone and the rest of the Houston Rockets front office are keeping tabs on other teams’ sharpshooters. They should especially keep their eyes on Detroit Pistons shooting specialist Duncan Robinson. He is a proven commodity and realistic trade target who could upgrade this team’s bench without commanding a huge trade return.

Duncan Robinson could help Houston

Duncan Robinson has been lighting nets on fire this postseason. In 10 games thus far, he has averaged 12.3 points and shot 43.4% from three on 7.6 attempts per game. Those are elite numbers. They are also very close to the numbers he put up over the course of the regular season, when he averaged 12.2 points and shot 41.0% from three on 7.0 attempts.

That was a huge boost to a Detroit offense that is also devoid of shooters. He could have a similar impact with Houston.

Having an elite shooter alongside Kevin Durant while he works for space in the midrange would prevent teams from doubling the future Hall of Famer. Additionally, Alperen Sengun would be even more effective as a passer if he was surrounded by a sharpshooter while he worked on the inside.

Houston is also the best offensive rebounding team in the league. The highest-quality three-point attempts are often found off offensive rebounds. Adding Robinson would make the Rockets’ offensive rebounding even more dangerous.

Why would Detroit trade Robinson?

This is always the million-dollar question when proposing a potential trade. However, the reasons why the Pistons would consider trading Robinson are fairly clear.

First, despite being an elite shooter, Robinson does not provide much else. His defense is especially problematic. Detroit has the defensive personnel to cover for Robinson, but if they decide they want a more well-rounded player to take his place, then they could pursue a trade.

Second, Robinson makes $31 million over the next two seasons. That is a lot of money to give to a one-dimensional player. With Jalen Duren heading toward restricted free agency, Detroit may eventually have to decide how expensive it wants this roster to become. If the Pistons want more financial flexibility around Cade Cunningham, Duren, Ausar Thompson and the rest of their young core, Robinson’s salary could become a cap casualty.

Duncan Robinson would not fix all of Houston’s problems, but he would address a clear need for this team and make an excellent fit on the roster. If Detroit is willing to part with its sharpshooter, then the Rockets should absolutely make a call to the Pistons front office.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow