Max Strus: 'Duncan Robinson Shoots at Curry's Level' – Praise or Truth?

When Max Strus sat in front of the camera for the 'Link With JB' program and blurted out that Duncan Robinson shoots 'at the same level as Stephen Curry,' the whole room seemed to pause for a few seconds. It's a statement that any basketball fan would stop at. Strus, who played with Robinson for three seasons in Miami, wasn't just offering polite praise. He called Robinson 'one of the most special shooters in the NBA' and insisted his shooting ability is 'truly extraordinary.' But should we believe this bold comparison? As someone who has watched hundreds of NBA games, I understand that praise from former teammates often carries emotional weight, but it can also hide a tactical truth we need to dissect. The context of this story dates back to the 2026-20 season, when the Miami Heat surprisingly reached the NBA Finals. In that lineup, Duncan Robinson played a key role with his deadly three-point shooting. He wasn't a star who created his own shot like Jimmy Butler or Goran Dragic, but rather a movement shooter who constantly ran around screens to catch and release immediately. Robinson's presence stretched opposing defenses, creating driving lanes for his teammates. That's why Miami could beat teams with superior talent. But when Strus compares Robinson to Curry, we need to ask: is this comparison confusing a specialized shooter with a complete offensive player? Look at Stephen Curry. He's not just an elite shooter; he's a playmaker, a ball-handler, and the center of Golden State's entire offensive system. Curry can create his own shot from anywhere, under any defensive pressure. He handles the ball a lot, has great ball skills, and forces opponents to focus entirely on him. Robinson, on the other hand, is a pure catch-and-shoot shooter. He doesn't handle the ball much, doesn't create his own shot, and his value depends entirely on the team's passing system. If you put Robinson on a team without good playmakers, his value drops significantly. Curry, regardless of the system, can still score for himself and others. Based on my experience watching games, I've noticed that these kinds of comparisons often stem from the speaker looking at shooting ability in practice, not in actual games. In practice, without defensive pressure, many players can shoot with incredible accuracy. Strus might have seen Robinson hit hundreds of threes in a row during practice and felt it was on par with Curry. But in games, facing tall, quick defenders and constant defensive rotations, Robinson's shooting can't reach Curry's level. Curry can shoot accurately even when tightly guarded, while Robinson usually needs a small window to release his shot. However, that doesn't mean Robinson isn't a special player. In modern basketball, a specialized shooter can provide immense value if used correctly. The Miami Heat proved that in the 2026-20 season. They built an entire offensive system around Robinson's off-ball movement. Teammates constantly set screens for him, and every time Robinson caught the ball, he was an immediate threat. This forced defenses to focus on him, opening up space for others. That's why Miami could beat the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics on their way to the Finals. Robinson doesn't need to be Curry to have an impact. He just needs to be himself – an excellent shooter, smart mover, and someone who capitalizes on the smallest opportunities. But there's a counterintuitive angle we need to consider. Strus's praise might not just be about shooting ability. When Strus says Robinson 'took me under his wing' and 'made me a better shooter,' he's telling a story about mentorship in the locker room. This shows Robinson isn't just a good player, but also a good teammate willing to share experience. In a team, such intangible values often don't show up in statistics, but they play a crucial role in building team culture. The Miami Heat is known for developing underrated players, and Robinson is a prime example. He went undrafted but established himself through hard work and discipline. That created a role model for young players like Strus to follow. So how should we interpret Strus's statement? I think it's a sincere compliment from a former teammate, but it shouldn't be taken literally. Robinson isn't Curry, and never will be. But Robinson is one of the best catch-and-shoot shooters the NBA has ever seen. He proved that over multiple seasons, especially during the 2026 Finals run. If we look at the numbers, Robinson has led the NBA in three-point percentage at times, and he's always among the leaders in three-point attempts. But more importantly, it's how he creates space for teammates. In a game, just by running around the court, Robinson draws at least one defender. That creates one-on-one situations for others. That's value no statistic can measure. This story also reminds me of an important principle in sports: we often confuse 'good shooter' with 'good offensive player.' A good shooter can make shots when open, but a good offensive player can score in any situation. Curry is the latter, Robinson is the former. Both have value, but their value differs in nature. When evaluating a player, we need to consider their role in the system, not just their highlight shots. Robinson is a perfect fit for Miami's system, but he wouldn't shine on a team without good playmakers. That doesn't diminish his value; it simply shows that basketball is a team sport where everyone has a specific role. Looking back at Strus's statement, I believe it's a compliment born of genuine admiration. Strus learned a lot from Robinson, and he wanted to express his gratitude. But as professional basketball people, we need to stay clear-headed. We shouldn't turn a compliment between teammates into a debate about who's better. Instead, we should appreciate what Robinson contributed to the Heat, and how he inspired a generation of young players like Strus. Basketball isn't just numbers; it's stories of effort, dedication, and camaraderie. And in that story, both Robinson and Strus are memorable characters. Finally, I want to ask a question: if we separate shooting ability from overall basketball skills, does comparing Robinson to Curry still make sense? I think the answer is no. Because basketball is a comprehensive sport where shooting is just a small part of the bigger picture. Curry is a complete phenomenon, while Robinson is a specialist in a specific area. Both deserve respect, but in different ways. And perhaps that's what we should remember when we hear bold comparisons in the sports world.