Miami Heat: Three things we learned from Summer League

While the Miami Heat went 6-5 during this year’s Summer League, there were still plenty of good things to take note of.

The Miami Heat have gone through a lot this post/offseason.

Between falling one game short of the Eastern Conference Finals, re-signing Hassan Whiteside and losing Wade, Heat Nation has been on its toes.

And although how successful the team will be moving forward, will really be seen in the fall, some light has already been shed.

Sure, Miami went 6-5 during this year’s Summer League run (while ironically, the Chicago Bulls went 6-0, only to then win the championship). But that record does not showcase the whole story; there was plenty of good to take note of.

For starters, Justise Winslow is continuing to improve.

Coming off of his rookie season, the forward averaged 16.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game this summer, on 29.0 minutes of play.  And while he only competed in three matchups, many still took notice of his development.

In fact, it seems president Pat Riley himself is ready to see the young man start.

"“Are we ready for Justise Winslow to start at the three? I am, I’m not just throwing him out there. This guy has been thrown out there last year and played significant minutes and significant time. I trust him.”"

Winslow may not have had much hype surrounding him when he was first drafted, but things have certainly changed since then.

Watch out world, this 20-year-old is not playing around. And 2016-17 is his for the taking.

Along the same lines, Josh Richardson has arrived.

Richardson, who was drafted along with Winslow, also unexpectedly made a name for himself last season. But he is ready for more.

"“I’m approaching it a lot more seriously knowing I have to be ready to go from the jump. Last year I had time to go at my own pace and work at it, but now I know how to approach it a lot more businesslike.”"

The sophomore also only played in three Summer League games, but averaged 16.7 points, 1.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game on 31.0 minutes of play.

Do not expect his game to look the same, however. While he clearly proved his worth when it comes to shooting, it is now time for the guard to improve his play-making abilities.

Per Juwan Howard, who coached the Summer League team:

"“Josh is gonna look different with that ball in his hands this season. He’s gotten better at making plays, truly. He’s gotta keep working on his jump shot, too. We all know he can shoot, but Josh has been working extremely hard getting reps up and trying to make sure that 3 stays consistent.”"

The Heat may have lost a veteran presence in Wade, but they definitely have plenty of young talent to rely on, moving forward.

Miami also found a great addition in Willie Reed.

Reed recently signed with the Heat on a lower salary than perhaps first expected, but is willing to work his way up for the franchise. A talented guy with a good heart, the center played for the Brooklyn Nets last season. But ever since being a part of Miami’s 2015 Summer League team, all he has wanted was to return to South Beach.

"“It was definitely difficult. But I had to take care of my family. I had played in the D-League for three years prior.”"

So this time around, he decided to pursue his dream.

"“I just think [the Heat] have a way with players. They figure out what it is that’s causing them to be the player that they are and they try to accelerate them. I look forward to that. I know if I keep continuing to put in all the work and to give all the glory to God and to keep continuing to stay healthy, I think that those are the same footsteps that I can follow.”"

Last year with the Nets, Reed only averaged 4.7 points and 3.1 rebounds a game, but did so in 10.9 minutes of play. Additionally, he totaled 13.5 points and 7.8 rebounds per matchup on 25.8 minutes of play, in four 2015 Summer League games.

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Reed may not be a big name yet, but he is sure to get there after letting the Heat mold him this upcoming year.