4 promising statistics for the Miami Heat

Dion Waiters: 10 field goal attempts or more

Waiters’ second season with the Oklahoma City Thunder produced 9.8 points per game on 39.9 percent shooting from the field and 35.8 percent shooting from three-point range in 27.6 minutes per game in 78 games. In 31 games where Waiters attempted 10 or more field goal attempts, he averaged 13.9 points per game on 44.7 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range in 31.1 minutes per game.

Playing alongside players the caliber of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook will limit the shooting opportunities for any wing player, and Waiters was no different. However the increase in his efficiency when given more shots should be heartening for Heat from the upcoming season.

Also of note is the fact the Thunder had a 26-5 record for a 83.9 percent winning percentage during these 31 games. When compared to the overall 55-27 record  or a  67.1 winning percentage, it can be definitively stated that Waiters had a positive impact for the Thunder last season when he was given the chance to shoot more and contribute.

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Integrating these players and giving them the best chance to succeed, for both themselves and the team overall, is going to be one of the highest priorities for the Heat and Spoelstra this season.

While losing Wade and potentially Bosh is a significant blow, the numbers for each of these players demonstrates that when given the opportunity, they have the capability of improving and excelling at their position.

If these opportunities can be provided on a consistent basis, the Heat have every chance to dispel the early predictions of their descent down the standings.