Does Duncan Robinson Deserve Most Improved Player Praise Alongside Tyrese Maxey, Alperen Sengun?

Miami Heat guard Duncan Robinson is bouncing back from one of his worst seasons in a way few expected.

The Heat sharpshooter found little action last season, averaging less than 17 minutes in his 42 appearances. Postseason injuries to Tyler Herro and Victor Oladipo paved the way for Robinson to shine. He took full advantage of the opportunity, averaging nine points on 44.2 percent from the arc.

This season, Robinson is averaging 13.3 points and 2.9 assists on 45.5 percent shooting in nearly 29 minutes. The added versatility to his offensive skillset is playing a major part in his increased role. Instead of a pure catch-and-shoot threat, he is finding success at the basket through backdoor cuts.

Despite the unlikeliness of Robinson winning Most Improved Player, his name deserves to be in conversations. The award favorites are Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers), Alperen Sengun (Houston Rockets), Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder), Coby White (Chicago Bulls), and Jonathan Kuminga (Golden State Warriors). 

Maxey and Sengun have taken the largest leaps of the bunch, with the Sixers guard being named an All-Star for the first time. Maxey went from averaging 20.3 points and 3.5 assists to 25.6 points and 6.2 assists while Sengun averaged 14.8 points and 3.9 assists in 2023 to 21.1 points and five assists this season.

Robinson's substantial contributions are a key reason the Heat are in position to avoid the Play-In Tournament. He is called upon to join the starting five in the absence of Herro, starting 33 games compared to one last year. Robinson gets a chance to strengthen his case tonight when the Heat face Maxey and the Sixers.

Anthony Pasciolla is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or on Instagram @anthony.pasciolla