Jeff Van Gundy, Two Scouts Dissect Miami Heat’s New Arrivals

Sep 26, 2014; Miami, FL, USA;Miami Heat forward Luol Deng (9) poses during photo day at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Luol Deng:

"Small forward Luol Deng: Van Gundy: “He hasn’t shot efficiently the past couple of years but he’s still a very good player capable of big minutes. Very good as a defender and very good without the ball. A better corner three-point shooter than when he came into the league and a total team guy.”… First scout: “Best as a third or fourth scoring option. He’s not making a lot of plays for other people, not that creative. He didn’t play very well in Cleveland. But in Chicago, he was very good. He can get you a basket without running a play. Can put it on the floor, take a dribble or two and score. Plus, you get complete effort every night. And really long defensively.”… Second scout: “Had some injuries but he’s still at an age [29] where he’s in his prime. Good defender but quick two-guards would give him trouble. Real good addition.”"

Since the 2010-2011 season, when his shooting percentage was 46%, here’s the shooting percentages Deng has shot at: 41, 42, 45, and 42. The 45, the outlier in the group, came over just a 23 game sample size last season with the Bulls. Deng shot 42% after being traded to the Cavs. The Heat are obviously hoping for the Deng that shot well with the Bulls, averaging 19 points a game. For his career, Deng has shot nearly 46%.

As the second scout points out, it’s easy to forget that Deng is still only 29 years old. It feels like he’s been around forever, entering the league one year after the Wade, LeBron, Bosh draft class. At 29, if Deng is healthy, he should still be playing basketball at his highest level. That means great defense and efficient offense, getting to the basket.