End of an Era: With Duncan Robinson Gone, Only Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro Remain from Heat’s 2020 Finals Team
The Miami Heat’s unforgettable 2020 NBA Finals run inside the Orlando Bubble feels both recent and strangely distant. Now, with the departure of sharpshooter Duncan Robinson, the memories grow even more nostalgic—and symbolic of how quickly a team’s identity can change.
With Robinson’s exit, only Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro remain from that gritty, underdog squad that shocked the basketball world by reaching the Finals. What was once a tight-knit unit built on chemistry, effort, and a “Heat Culture” mantra now feels like a page turned in Miami’s storied history.
Robinson’s Rise and Exit
Duncan Robinson was never supposed to be the guy. An undrafted Division III transfer turned NBA starter, Robinson burst onto the scene in 2019 with his elite three-point shooting and high basketball IQ. By 2020, he was a fixture in Erik Spoelstra’s starting lineup, spacing the floor alongside Jimmy Butler and playing a crucial role in Miami’s playoff success.
In the Finals, he held his own against the LeBron-led Lakers, knocking down threes and drawing defensive attention. At his peak, he was one of the most feared shooters in the league—earning a $90 million contract extension that made him a cornerstone in Miami’s rotation.
But in recent seasons, Robinson’s role diminished. Defensive liabilities, inconsistent shooting stretches, and injuries saw his minutes fluctuate. With Miami needing flexibility in a shifting Eastern Conference landscape, his exit was inevitable. Whether through trade or release, Robinson is officially gone—leaving behind a legacy of hustle, resilience, and one of the best undrafted success stories in franchise history.
Only Two Remain: Bam and Herro
With Robinson out, only Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro stand as the last men from that 2020 Finals team. Both have grown into stars in their own right.
Bam has become the heart and soul of the Heat. A five-time All-Defensive selection and perennial All-Star candidate, he’s evolved into one of the league’s best two-way bigs. His leadership, work ethic, and commitment to Heat Culture keep Miami competitive year after year.
Herro, meanwhile, continues to develop as a dynamic scorer. While his career has had ups and downs—plagued by injuries and trade rumors—he remains one of the most gifted offensive players on the roster and a potential franchise building block.
Together, they represent both the promise of the future and the echo of the past.
The Bubble Legacy Lives On
The 2020 Bubble run may have lacked fans in the stands, but it built legends. Miami knocked off the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks, handled the Celtics, and pushed the Lakers harder than most expected. That Heat team was the definition of toughness, chemistry, and belief—traits that remain embedded in the franchise’s DNA even as the names change.
With Jimmy Butler entering the later years of his prime and Miami’s roster in flux, the Heat are in a transitional period. But the presence of Bam and Herro means that a connection to that incredible 2020 journey still exists—however faint.
As one era closes, another begins. And while Duncan Robinson may no longer wear a Heat jersey, the legacy he helped create remains—etched in franchise history, and carried forward by the last two standing.
