Duncan Robinson missed nine games late in the regular season due to a back injury, then was limited during last season’s playoffs. Robinson says he’s fully recovered from that ailment as Heat training camp approaches, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports.
“I feel great,” Robinson said. “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. 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.”
Robinson has two years remaining on his five-year, $90MM contract.
We have more on the Heat:
- After losing Caleb Martin in free agency, the Heat need to fill that void by finding a new defensive stopper. Jaime Jaquez Jr. says he can assume that role, according to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. “I think obviously with losing Caleb this year, I think there’s definitely going to be a hole to be filled when it comes to the defensive side of the ball and a guy that can really go out there and stop the other team’s best player or whoever’s got it going that night,” Jaquez said. “I think my role can definitely evolve into somebody who Coach just decides, ‘Hey, Jaime I want you to go guard the best player and chase him and stop him.’ I think that’s the way my role can evolve.”
- Addressing a report that the Warriors are monitoring Jimmy Butler, Winderman says he anticipates Butler’s future will continue to be a hot topic unless the Heat get off to a solid start or the forward signs an extension. However, Winderman also notes that under the CBA and its prohibitive tax aprons, blockbuster deals are more complicated and more difficult than ever.
- In case you missed it, free agent forward Nassir Little is reportedly working out for the Heat. Get the details here.
Nassir Little is Heat kinda guy but even more a Thibs kinda guy, not sure why Nix don’t give him a shot.
The Winderman article reads like it was scripted by the Heat. Riley wants to move Butler while he still has value. And, there is no “next Heat superstar” to be had in a trade for Butler at this stage of his career. Butler’s age and diminishing availability are why.
No NBA team wants to pay a $50M/yr contract to a 35 year old that misses 25 in-season games every year and missed all the playoffs last year. And no way in h*ll will an NBA GM offer Butler a max that extends until he’s 38 or 39 years old.
A contending team that can rest Butler 20-25 games to maximize the chance of availability in the playoffs could value him at ~ $35M-$40M.