Team USA has one vacant slot after ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski confirmed that Bradley Beal entered into health and safety protocols. Beal started for Team USA in their first two exhibition games but sadly will not fly to Tokyo to compete in the Olympics.
According to Sports Illustrated's Grant Afseth, Miami Heat sharpshooter Duncan Robinson could take Beal’s spot. There is still no confirmed report that Robinson will replace Beal but his name is the only one floating around so far. While Beal and Robinson are two completely different players, Robinson could still fit with Team USA. Here are four why Robinson is actually a good replacement for Beal:
Robinson is a good off-ball player
This current Team USA squad isn't perfectly constructed hence why they should prioritize fit over talent moving forward. Robinson is an off-ball three-point shooter who shot 41 percent on threes this season which could fit with the current roster filled with on-ball shot creators. He’s a superior off-ball player who demands the defense’s attention and someone that can help boost the US’s pick and roll offense with his off-ball action.
I'd imagine this won't get too much positive reception, but I think adding an off-ball guy who shot 41% on 3s this past season despite taking harder 3s than 98% of NBA players over the past 8 years would be a good addition to a roster mostly consisting of on-ball Shot Creators. https://t.co/PS6WgiaHDz
— Cranjis McBasketball (@Tim_NBA) July 15, 2021
Robinson adds more shooting
That’s what probably is going to make him money in free agency this off-season. Robinson has become one of the best three-point shooters in the league. He’s taken harder three-pointers compared to 98 percent of the NBA over the past eight years. According to StatMuse, Robinson has shot the most three-pointers by any undrafted player and was the fastest player to ever reach 500 career threes in NBA history (152 games).
It's Duncan Robinson's world and we're just living in it.
– Most threes by an undrafted player
– Most threes in a Heat season
– 3rd highest career 3P% in history
– On pace: 5th 300-threes season ever
– 3 straight games with 7+ threes
– Last 3 games: 24 threes, one 2pt shot pic.twitter.com/EST8xutdEh— StatMuse (@statmuse) March 9, 2020
Sure, Robinson isn't exactly the most glamorous name for this current USA team but the guy can flat out shoot—something that would be significant for this US team moving forward. Team USA has played a ton of iso basketball and lacks the playmaking it needs. Hopefully with Robinson’s addition, the guards can find him in places where he can threaten the opponent's defense.
Robinson has experienced playing at a high level
International basketball and the NBA are significantly different, but Robinson’s experience playing in the Finals could be huge. The international scene has caught up with the US scene and could eventually overtake it one day. Team USA isn't necessarily a lock to win gold in this year’s Olympics because the field is actually tougher for them this time around. And it doesn't help that this year's squad has less on-court chemistry due to the lack of practice time together.
This team needs LeBron pic.twitter.com/Rl1IM7LOib
— Cranjis McBasketball (@Tim_NBA) July 13, 2021
Robinson has played in the highest level of NBA competition—which not a ton of players in this current USA roster has done. This could eventually be big, especially if he knows how to handle the pressure and ability it takes to win at the big stage.
Robinson could be a good tool for Coach Pop
The San Antonio Spurs have always been known for their selfless style of play. Led by Gregg Popovich (who won five championships with the Spurs), the Spurs are known for their intelligent offensive sets. Robinson is an ideal role player for a team coached by Pop so it’s going to be interesting to see how the veteran head coach utilizes him in such a stacked team.
Remember that in this age of basketball, talent can only get you so far. It’s also about fit and the x and o’s that the roster operates on.
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