Miami Heat 2016-17 player preview: Dion Waiters
By Simon Smith
Dion Waiters has yet to find a landing spot in the league. We look at whether he may have found that place in Miami.
Despite being the last of the free-agents to sign with the Miami Heat this off-season, Dion Waiters is certainly the most high-profile. And whilst his reviews have not always been positive, one thing has never been questioned – his talent. Waiters didn’t start at all in his two seasons with Syracuse, yet he still managed to become the No.4 overall pick of his draft. Still just 24, Waiters has shown a vast array of his talents over the past five seasons in the league.
His challenge in Miami will be putting his talents together on a much more consistent basis. Early indications are he is determined to make Miami his home. As was reported recently, Waiters lost 12 pounds and 3.5 percent body fat in the three weeks leading up to the Heat’s training camp. Head coach Erik Spoelstra pointed out after the Heat’s first pre-season game, “He’s been consistently finding the open man and making the right play.”
That quote from Spoelstra is certainly in contrast to Waiters’ reputation to date in the league. Poor body language, immaturity and selfishness are some of the descriptions thrown his way. With both the coach and his teammates impressed so far with Waiters, the Heat will undoubtedly be hoping this is just the start of things to come.