Duncan Robinson’s $16MM salary this season doesn’t become fully guaranteed until January 10 but he doesn’t have to worry about losing his roster spot. He’s averaging 19.7 points, 2.3 assists, 2.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game through the Pistons’ 3-0 start.

“He carries so much weight and so much gravity. The shots that he’s making aren’t always easy shots, so those frustrate defenses as well,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said, per Hunter Patterson of The Athletic. “Now, it’s going to force people to put more bodies on him, and that’s just going to keep opening up the game for everybody else. He’s doing a great job, obviously. He’s making shots, but the way he’s hunting them and creating them as well. And then, even bigger, his teammates keep getting him the ball and keep finding him.”

Robinson is currently second on the team in scoring behind superstar Cade Cunningham.

“Dunc’s been doing this. He was doing this when he was against us with Miami, and he’s been doing it at a higher level for us,” Cunningham said. “So, it’s who he is. He’s perfecting his craft. He’s the top in the world at it. He just makes everybody’s job easier.”

Here’s more on the Pistons:

• Power forward John Collins was the biggest free agent signing by the club this offseason. Like Robinson, he’s off to a solid start, averaging 15 points and 7.7 rebounds. Bickerstaff also appreciates Collins’ enthusiasm. “Both sides of the ball; there is versatility,” Bickerstaff said, per Coty Davis of the Detroit News. “Having that size, coming off a year where he shot 40.0% from 3. His ability to put pressure on the rim. He can attack smaller matchups and put guys in the post. His spirit has been unwavering. Every day, he brings the same positive attitude. Team first, just wants to compete and win. He fits right in with our group.”
• With Jalen Duren out at least two weeks due to a hamstring strain, Paul Reed becomes even more important to the frontcourt. Reed is averaging 11 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists. Reed’s $5.6MM becomes fully guaranteed in January and he’ll be a free agent after the season unless he signs an extension. “Offensively, I think he’s taken huge steps,” said Bickerstaff per Omari Sankofa of the Detroit Free Press (Twitter link). “His ability to finish around the rim in so many different ways … you watch his workouts and he’s working on things he plans on applying to the game.” Sixers coach Nick Nurse is also full of praise for the big man, Patterson tweets. “He just kind of hustles and slithers around to keep .balls alive. He’s a great finisher and has played really, really outstanding for them,” he said.
• Ausar Thompson, who missed the team’s victory at Philadelphia on Sunday, was back in the lineup against the Knicks on Tuesday. Isaiah Joe (right hip contusion) missed the game, Patterson tweets.