An upbeat Duncan Robinson putting both back issue and Heat trade rumors behind him

MIAMI Two weeks from the start of training camp, the accounting continues for the Miami Heat and for more than the teams precarious position against the highly punitive second apron of the luxury tax.

Having finished last season sixth in the NBA in player salary lost to injuries, according to Spotrac, that element of Heat offseason accounting remains an ongoing process.

Terry Rozier (neck) last week said only now is in the process of returning to five-on-five play from the ailment that sidelined him for last seasons playoffs.

Nikola Jovic (ankle), injured in a June Heat workout, said last week he is still in the rehab process.

Josh Richardson (shoulder) last found himself in a competitive situation last February.

Jimmy Butler, meanwhile, has posted enough social-media workout video to seemingly allay concern about the knee issue that kept him out of the playoffs.

And then there is Duncan Robinson, who after a relatively healthy run last season through late March, missed nine of the final 14 games due to a back issue, and then was limited in the playoffs to the degree of no more than 17 minutes in any appearance, with 13 points in the 4-1 first-round ouster at the hands of the Boston Celtics.

For Robinson, it meant a search for further offseason inspection of the ailment, as the Heat prepare for the Oct.

1 open of training camp at the Baha Mar resort in the Bahamas.

So far, perhaps the best news from any of the Heat players returning from an ailment.

Monday, after a workout at Kaseya Center, Robinson, with a laugh, offered an update about his back.

It was a rude awakening.

Turning 30 and then having back issues within a span of a month was realizing that Father Time is undefeated , said Robinson, who turned 30 on April 22.

But it hasnt been an issue, and obviously Im fighting Father Time the best I can.

All in all, some of the best offseason news for the team.

We took all the necessary steps just to make sure that all the bases are covered in terms of seeing everybody we needed to see, consulting different opinions, he said prior to his Father Time quip.

Backs are obviously tricky.

Where Im at right now, I feel great.

Im not restricted in any way.

Im working out every day, have been for the better part of eight weeks.

Im playing pick-up, no sort of limitations.

Do all the conditioning, everything.

So, its definitely still a focus and an emphasis in terms of what Im doing in the weight room and the training room, but it hasnt given me an issue.

So I feel good, for sure.

In that regard, in a good place both physically and mentally, with the trade rumors also easing this offseason, after standing as the center of speculation during recent summers.

The only difference was just less people reaching out to me about it, he said, with this the final fully guaranteed season on the five-year, $90 million contract he signed in the 2021 offseason.

Nothing really changes as far as Im concerned.

For me, offseasons are always about trying to make improvements and get better.

So thats always where the focus is and coming back a better, more complete player.

Related Articles Yeah, I mean it was a little bit quieter this summer, at least generally.

But Ive kind of learned over time, Ive been in about every rumor under the sun, so Ive kind of learned to differentiate between what has credence and whats real.

Due $19.4 million this season, $9.9 million of Robinsons $19.8 million for 2025-26 is guaranteed, with the right to opt out of the final year of his contract this June.

So, yes, that likely will keep speculation afloat.

When something happens, it happens, he said of a potential next wave of trade speculation.

But until then, it hasnt happened.

So just kind of focusing on what I can control is definitely the best way to go about it.

Last season, Robinson made dramatic strides with his game, playing more in attack mode, while also bringing his 3-point percentage back to his previous standards, closing with career highs in free throws, free-throw attempts, assists and steals.

Obviously a huge emphasis this summer has been my body and focusing on strength, stability, all that sort of stuff, which I feel like Ive definitely made improvements, and that translates to every aspect of being a complete player, he said.

And just from a skill standpoint, just continuing to grow with more than just my shooting.

Still continuing to work that obviously, but then the decision-making aspect, all sorts of elements and just trying to become a better basketball player..

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