Heat’s Robinson offers update on back and other issues as camp approaches

Heat wing Duncan Robinson said Monday that he’s fully recovered from a back injury that limited him late last season.

Robinson missed nine of the Heat’s final 14 regular-season games because of what the team listed as left facet syndrome.

He played in each of the Heat’s five first-round playoff games against Boston but was clearly limited, scoring just 13 points and shooting 5 for 16 overall and 3 for 13 on threes in 60 minutes.

He has moved past all of those issues.

“I feel great,” Robinson said in a conversation with a few South Florida writers. “We took all the necessary steps, seeing who we needed to see. Not restricted in any way. Have [not been limited] for the better part of eight weeks. Playing pickup. No limitations.

“It’s still a focus and emphasis in terms of what I’m doing in the weight room. [But it] hasn’t given me any issues. It was a rude awakening turning 30 [this past April] and having back issues within a month. Father Time is undefeated.”

Robinson, who has two years remaining on his five-year, $90 million contract, was one of 14 players who received votes this past spring for the NBA’s Most Improved Player.

He closed last season averaging 12.9 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game while shooting 45 percent from the field and 39.5 percent on seven three-point attempts per game in 68 appearances (36 starts) this regular season.

Robinson, who impressed last season with his improved off-the-dribble game and passing skills, said the goal this season is “just becoming a better overall player, more complete player. Huge emphasis this summer is my body and focusing on strength, stability. Continue to grow with more than my shooting, decision making elements.”

He says he asks himself: “How can I come back a more dynamic overall player?”

Robinson has noticed the Heat being glossed over as a potential contender — Miami has the 15th longest odds, according to one sports book — and that’s a motivating factor.

“I think it matters,” he said. “People take notice of it. It’s a narrative around the facility that nobody thinks we’re going to do anything. As long as I’ve been here, that’s a place of comfort for us [in terms of the team being underestimated]...

“We’ve been there plenty of times, and we know how to move forward from it. At the very least, it will set the tone for training camp and ultimately be a springboard for the start of the season.”

Robinson, cracking that “training camp has already started” in an informal way, had this to say of first-round rookie center Kel’El Ware:

“He’s pretty unique in his build and ability to be as tall and long as he is and move as well as he does. The way he bounces off the floor, he’s an effortless jumper. Seldom you see guys of his size move the way he does.”

More often, seven-footers are “lumbering,” Robinson said. But not Ware.

“He’s very much unique,” Robinson said. “And an awesome guy.”

The Heat begins training camp on Oct. 1 in The Bahamas and opens its regular season at home on Oct. 23 against Orlando.