The Detroit Pistons need to quickly move on from the disappointing season opener against the Chicago Bulls. Despite the seemingly close scoreline, the Pistons were outplayed all game, not looking like the same team from last season. A big reason why was Duncan Robinson's inability to replace Malik Beasley's production. The Pistons couldn't get enough three-pointers up, adequately space the floor, or make enough shots, all of which Beasley, as well as Tim Hardaway Jr., excelled in last season.
Although he did not make an impact in any aspect of the game on Wednesday, Robinson played 32 minutes. Since the Pistons are so low on shooting, this might be understandable from head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. At the same time, the 31-year-old small forward has to be on a shorter leash when his shot isn't falling. Because if Robinson is not taking or making three-pointers, he becomes a total liability since he doesn't do anything else offensively. There is a reason Robinson averaged 16.5, 28.0, and 24.1 minutes per game in his last three seasons in Miami, and rarely played over 30 minutes.
Duncan Robinson Needs His Minutes Cut After Disastrous Season Opener
Robinson playing significantly more minutes than Caris LeVert and Ron Holland, who were in the midst of much better games, was inexcusable by Bickerstaff. But what the head coach really needs to do is give more minutes to Chaz Lanier and Daniss Jenkins.
Lanier may be a rookie, but he has shown an ability to get shots up and make them, both in the Summer League and the preseason. Plus, he will turn 24 in two months and is among the more experienced first-year players in the NBA. Giving him a run for a few-minute stretches in each half to see if he can juice the offense would be a worthy try.
Jenkins can similarly help the Pistons on the offensive end, especially during Jaden Ivey's absence. His shooting has been less consistent during his career, but he has shown a ton of improvement in Summer League and preseason on that front, making 46.4% of his threes on 3.1 attempts. He is on a two-way contract, so the Pistons need to be judicious with how they use him, but while Bickerstaff is trying to figure out his rotations, the 24-year-old is worth a look.
Robinson will still play an important role for this offense, but his minutes need to be reduced. Rather than a sure-fire starter, the Pistons need to treat him as a shooting specialist whom they need to run plays for in limited minutes.