The Detroit Pistons have surprised many by starting the season at 28-9, far exceeding the expectations set for them. As a result, the team faces increased pressure to perform like a championship contender, highlighting the need to minimize weaknesses that could be exploited in the playoffs. While the Pistons have prominent offensive weaknesses, defensive concerns regarding Duncan Robinson have surfaced as a significant issue that cannot be overlooked.
Robinson serves as the team’s sole elite perimeter shooter, playing a crucial role in creating spacing and providing important three-point opportunities for teammates Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren. However, his defensive shortcomings have raised alarms amongst fans and analysts alike. Currently, Robinson is considered the weakest defensive player on the roster, especially problematic for a Pistons team that prides itself on its elite defense.
In a playoff scenario, opponents typically aim to exploit the weakest defenders, intensifying the scrutiny on Robinson. This strategy has already been observable during the regular season, as other teams actively seek to create matchups that put Robinson in challenging positions against stronger ball-handlers. As the playoffs approach, the likelihood of further targeting Robinson could increase, posing a threat to the Pistons’ defensive integrity.
Statistically, the Pistons’ performance drops when Robinson is on the floor. According to Cleaning the Glass, the team has a defensive rating of 113.6 with Robinson, significantly worse than the 105.0 rating they achieve without him. This highlights a stark contrast, suggesting that the Pistons could potentially have one of the league’s best defenses if they can successfully mitigate Robinson’s defensive liabilities.
The dilemma is critical for head coach JB Bickerstaff, who relies heavily on Robinson’s offensive contributions, as evidenced by his average of 29.1 minutes played per game—second-highest on the team. However, this reliance comes with trade-offs, as teams can take advantage of Robinson’s defensive weaknesses, which may become increasingly apparent during high-stakes games.
To strengthen their playoff aspirations, the Pistons may need to consider re-evaluating Robinson’s position in the rotation. With a salary of $16.8 million this season, there is a potential opportunity to secure a shooter who poses less of a defensive risk. Addressing this concern, possibly through trades or adjustments to the lineup, will be vital for Detroit as they aim for a deep postseason run.