Duncan Robinson’s heartfelt tribute to his brother Eli coincides with a pivotal playoff game for the Pistons on May 1, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. Eli struggled with mental health issues, battling schizophrenia and addiction before he died by suicide on April 30, 2025.
The Robinson family has been vocal about mental health awareness since Eli’s death. They established the Robinson Family Foundation to support families facing similar challenges. Duncan wears a pendant every day that commemorates Eli’s sobriety date.
Eli was just 31 years old at the time of his passing. He had endured 16 psychiatric hospitalizations, highlighting the severity of his struggles. Duncan described his brother as an inspiration, stating, “Eli was my inspiration.” His sister, Marta Robinson Day, who is a licensed mental health counselor, shared insights into Eli’s condition: “He was having delusions; he was hearing voices.”
On the same day as Duncan’s tribute, the Detroit Pistons faced off against the Orlando Magic in Game 6 of the NBA playoffs. The Pistons were down by 24 points before making a remarkable comeback. Paul Reed played a crucial role in that victory, entering the game with 3:55 left in the third quarter.
Duncan’s comments about his brother were shared during a memorial service held on May 13, 2025. He emphasized how important it is to talk openly about mental health: “I think it gives so many other people permission to do the same.” This sentiment resonates deeply within the context of sports and beyond.
The ongoing focus on mental health in sports continues to grow. As teams like the Pistons advance in the playoffs, discussions around personal stories and struggles are likely to remain at the forefront.
