The NBA has kicked off its annual Summer League, an opportunity for incoming talent to showcase their skills on a professional stage. For many, it is their first taste of pro hoops following distinguished collegiate careers and for others, it is a chance to show what they learned as NBA rookies and demonstrate how far their games have evolved. Split between California, Utah, and Las Vegas, the Miami HEAT are among many teams using the summer tournaments to assess a carefully selected pool of young talent, from the recently drafted Nikola Jović to players who were on the HEAT roster last year such as Marcus Garrett and Javonte Smart.
One name HEAT fans should have their eye on is Orlando Robinson. Listed at 6’11” with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, the big man spent three seasons playing at Fresno State (also the college home of former HEAT guards Rafer Alston and Tyler Johnson), averaging 15.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 47.6 percent from the field and 32.2 percent from beyond the arc. Robinson was twice named All-Mountain West and made the Mountain West All-Defense team in 2022. After going undrafted, Robinson was signed by the HEAT on June 25th giving him the opportunity to participate in the team’s Summer League program.
“I have an opportunity to play here in Miami and Miami is a big developmental spot,” said Robinson shortly after joining the HEAT. “So I’m just going to take this opportunity to the fullest and I’m actually glad to be here. I’ve heard a lot about how Pat Riley and the Miami HEAT develop players like Duncan Robinson and a couple other guys. Just seeing that and just knowing my own nature that I feel like Miami is a really good fit for me.”
Following strong play in the California Classic portion of the Summer League, Robinson signed an Exhibit 10 Contract, giving him a chance to compete in training camp for a roster spot. In four summer league games split between California and Las Vegas, Robinson has averaged 8.5 points, 7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game on 40 percent shooting from the field in 21.6 minutes per game.
In both college and in Summer League, Robinson has tantalized with his offensive skillset, showing the ability to hit face-up jumpers, roll to the rim and convert floaters and jump hooks, and facilitate out of the mid and low-post and through dribble handoffs. His college scoring average rose every season, going from 12.2 points as a freshman to 19.4 points as a senior, and Robinson demonstrated a greater willingness to attempt three point shots (2.9 attempts as a senior at a 35.2 percent clip), a coveted skill in an increasingly perimeter-oriented NBA where even the tallest of players are now asked to space the floor. Robinson had his best professional game in the HEAT’s July 13 matchup with the Sixers, finishing with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocked shots in 26 minutes.
“Whatever they need me to do offensively or defensively, I’m willing to do,” Robinson said after the team’s July 9 win against Boston. “My role has been to set good screens, roll to the basket, and be a dominant presence at the rim.”
In an NBA where being able to defend in space and limit rim attempts is increasingly the norm, especially in the HEAT’s system, Robinson will have to show he can use every inch of his 7-foot-4 wingspan to protect the paint and guard players of all sizes and skills. If the 22-year-old Robinson can continue to impress in Summer League and in September’s full team Training Camp, he may have a place in the HEAT’s ecosystem, whether that is on the main roster or as a member of the HEAT’s G-League affiliate Sioux Falls Skyforce.
“Obviously he’s got really good size. He’s all of 6’11”, long arms,” said HEAT Summer League head coach Malik Allen. “And I just think it’ll benefit him, just being in the program, trying to build some consistency.”