One of the reasons the San Antonio Spurs failed to make the playoffs in consecutive seasons was due to a lack of 3-point shooting. The Spurs ranked last in 3-pointers made (9.9) and 3-pointers attempted (28.4) this season. The 35.0% success rate ranked just 24th. In this NBA, that doesn't cut it offensively.
The NBA has shifted its offensive schemes and formulas to more 3-pointers thanks in large part to Stephen Curry, who revolutionized and modernized basketball. Even centers and power forwards nowadays are not hesitant to pull the trigger when they are open behind the arc.
The Spurs simply lacked players who could constantly knock down 3-pointers, whether it be off the dribble, contested, or wide open. San Antonio's leading scorer, DeMar DeRozan, barely shot 3s. Point guard Dejounte Murray isn't exactly a 3-point ace. Rudy Gay was their best 3-point shooter at 38.1% from deep.
The Spurs need to retool their roster to fit today's NBA. They badly need a legit marksman, and who else would be a better fit than sharpshooter Duncan Robinson. The Miami Heat gunner is set to be a restricted free agent.
Here are reasons why the Spurs need to sign Duncan Robinson in free agency.
1. Shooting, shooting, and even more shooting
Duncan Robinson is the real definition of a knockdown shooter and has established himself as one of the best 3-point shooters in today's game. Robinson even made history as the fastest player to reach 500 3s in just 152 games.
The marksman would certainly improve the spacing that the Spurs have been lacking recently. Robinson's ability to run around screens and get 3-point shots up at a high rate is truly incredible. He attempted 8.5 3-pointers per game this season with the Heat and hit at a 40.8% clip. The year before, he hit 44.6% from deep on 8.3 attempts per game.
San Antonio needs that kind of shooter to improve a mediocre offense.
2. True size on the wing
Duncan Robinson is also an improved defender. While not an amazing one, Robinson can be totally fine in Pop's system with his 6-foot-7 frame. Plus, players like Dejounte Murray and Derrick White can cover up his defensive lapses. If Robinson can develop as a defender, he could fit the role that Danny Green played during the Spurs' Finals runs years ago, though his defense will likely never be that good.
3. Spurs have flexibility to spend big on Robinson and other pieces
The Spurs enter the offseason with the ability to have around $50 million in cap space. Undrafted and underpaid, Duncan Robinson will certainly be looking to get paid after developing into one of the NBA's best shooters in Miami.
There have been rumors that Robinson could sign for around $15-20 million annually in free agency. While that's a big number, San Antonio has the flexibility to make that kind of offer and still make other moves. It will take a big offer to pry Robinson away from the Heat, but the Spurs could do it.
BONUS: DUNCAN ROBINSON must play in San Antonio at some point in his career because of what Tim Duncan and David Robinson meant to the franchise during their own careers.
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