Grading all the Miami Heat’s free agent acquisitions
![Sep 28, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem (40) takes a selfie during photo day at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports Sep 28, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem (40) takes a selfie during photo day at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/b1be5669387acfd653a7a8f716c2d647f06e9812280971852da9bb82c04d536d.jpg)
The deal: Three years, $2.5 million dollars (minimum contract). The contract is non-guaranteed, with each year including a team player option.
Analysis: McGruder has yet to play a day in the NBA. He’s not elite in any area. But, he brings something ever NBA team needs – consistency. Over 48 games in the D-League last year, McGruder averaged 15.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.4 steals while shooting 51.3% from the field and 38.4% from three point range. In the Orlando summer league, McGruder averaged 10.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.3 steals while shooting 53.3% from the field and 43.8% from three point range. Given a bigger role in the Las Vegas summer league, McGruder scored 41 points over the first two games while shooting 50% from three. McGruder’s Skyforce head coach, Dan Craig said that McGruder was “Mr. Consistent”. Craig also thought McGruder was the most underrated player in the D-League.
McGruder is on a non-guaranteed minimum contract. It’s doubtful if he will ever be a starter in the NBA, but if he can give the Heat consistent minutes off the bench, he could stick with the team for a while. He’s completely a Heat style player – hard worker, defense first, knows his role.
On-court Impact: Meh.
Grade: B
Next: Overall Grade