Detroit Pistons: 3 goals for Glenn Robinson III in 2018-19

3. Stay healthy

Last season was lining up to be Robinson’s breakout campaign. He was coming off his best year as a pro, he had gained some mainstream notoriety by winning the 2017 Slam Dunk Contest, and the Pacers had a void to fill at small forward following the departure of All-Star Paul George.

But a serious ankle injury grounded the 6’7″ high-flying Robinson before he could get started, and he didn’t make his debut until late February. By that time, the Pacers were already in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race and had their rotation in place.

It was tough for Robinson to establish a role, which was reflected in his playing time. In 23 regular season games he averaged 14.7 minutes. In the playoffs, Robinson was on the court for a total of six minutes during Indiana’s first round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He didn’t play in five of the seven games against the Cavs.

Robinson doesn’t have a reputation for being injury-prone. His lack of consistent playing time in his NBA career — including short stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers before landing with the Pacers — was due more to not being able to get off the bench than being injured and unavailable.

However, coming off such a major injury, staying healthy and being in peak condition should be a meaningful goal for Robinson as he tries to make an impact on his new team.