Grading all the Miami Heat’s free agent acquisitions

The deal: One year, $5 million dollars.

Analysis: Williams is an offensive specialist and should help end those droughts where the Heat would score 10 points in a quarter. In addition, the Heat want to play at a faster pace to cater to the strengths of Goran Dragic. Without a doubt, Williams helps in this regard. Williams can finish and is a good enough ball handler to initiate the break. Williams has all the physical tools to be a great defender, and if anyone can improve his defense, it’s the Heat. In my opinion, Luol Deng will be the player most missed by the Heat next season. However, landing Derrick Williams in the waning days of free agency is about as good a replacement as the Heat could hope for.

Williams signing with the Heat for $5 million is a bargain. He could undoubtedly have made more money with another team. But, he saw what the Heat did for Luol Deng’s career and likely hopes to get a similar $70+ million dollar payday next year.

On-court Impact: Potentially significant. Might actually be able to (mostly) fill Deng’s shoes.

Grade: A

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