Toward the end of the 2023-24 regular season, Miami Heat wing Duncan Robinson suffered a back injury. This injury caused him to miss multiple games down the stretch. Furthermore, though he returned in time for the playoffs, Robinson’s injury clearly impacted him. In the playoffs, he averaged 2.6 points on 31.3% shooting from the field. This includes a terrible 23.1% mark from behind the line.
Luckily for Heat fans, the 30-year-old provided a positive injury update. According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Robinson’s injury has fully healed. Furthermore, Robinson says he “feel[s] great” as the team prepares for training camp.
“I feel great,” Robinson said in a conversation with a few South Florida writers. “We took all the necessary steps, seeing who we needed to see. Not restricted in any way. Have [not been limited] for the better part of eight weeks. Playing pickup. No limitations.”
Additionally, Robinson called the injury and his recovery “a rude awakening.”
“It’s still a focus and emphasis in terms of what I’m doing in the weight room. [But it] hasn’t given me any issues. It was a rude awakening turning 30 [this past April] and having back issues within a month. Father Time is undefeated.”
Key Miami Heat Role Player Reveals Injury Update
Duncan Robinson is Slated to Play a Major Role in Miami
Robinson has spent his entire six-year NBA career with the Heat up to this point. Initially an undrafted free agent, the Maine native climbed the ranks and became an essential part of Miami’s bench. Last season, Robinson was playing very well before his back injury. On the year, he averaged 12.9 points on 45% shooting from the floor, including 39.5% from beyond the arc. He also averaged 2.8 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game. This campaign was good enough for Robinson to finish 10th in Most Improved Player voting.
The Heat wing has two years remaining on his five-year, $90 million contract. This does include an Early Termination Option for the 2025-26 season, however. Robinson was already important to Miami’s roster. However, following the departure of Caleb Martin, who signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, a lot more will be expected out of Robinson.
Where the Heat Stand in the East With Duncan Robinson
Just two seasons ago, the Heat made a miraculous playoff run, appearing in the 2023 NBA Finals. Despite losing to the Denver Nuggets in the series, the Heat showed they were a legitimate contender in the conference. Last season, however, was a major disappointment for the team.
The Heat finished last season with a 46-36 record and ended as the No. 8 seed. They eventually lost to the eventual champion Boston Celtics in the first round, though they were without Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier for the entire series. Furthermore, this offseason has been an interesting one for the team. They lost Martin and Delon Wright. However, they signed Alec Burks and drafted Kel’el Ware. Additionally, they signed big man Bam Adebayo to a three-year contract extension.
Miami should remain in playoff contention. However, looking at their competition in the conference, it is difficult to take them seriously as a threat to make it to the NBA Finals.
