Orlando Robinson, a center, has been sent to the Miami Heat’s G League affiliate in Sioux Falls despite his impressive performance in the previous game.
Following Robinson’s 14 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals in the Wednesday victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, the decision was made. In a quarter of an hour, he made 6 of 9 field goals.
Robinson was given the chance because Kevin Love (personal reasons) and starting center Bam Adebayo (hip bruise) were not playing for the Heat. Love has returned to the team, but Adebayo is listed as questionable for Friday’s game against the New York Knicks.
Their availability is likely why the Heat can afford to send Robinson to G League for more reps. The move has nothing to do with his play because Heat coach Erik Spoelstra has been impressed with Robinson’s growth this season.
“Orlando, he’s earned the trust of everybody,” Spoelstra said. “He understands our system very well.”
Spoelstra has been impressed with the depth at frontcourt in general.
“I thought this was one of our deeper teams when I made that statement at media day earlier in the season. Specifically, the frontcourt was my intention, head coach Erik Spoelstra stated following the victory. “Compared to maybe some of the prior years, we have more depth at those frontcourt positions.”
