The good and the bad of Dion Waiters
By Simon Smith
![Jan 7, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Dion Waiters (23) drives in ahead of Sacramento Kings guard Nik Stauskas (10) during the second quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports Jan 7, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Dion Waiters (23) drives in ahead of Sacramento Kings guard Nik Stauskas (10) during the second quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-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/ef300839a634dde95a4775edf63d567f368e4e381f765c1163ccee0a12be72a5.jpg)
Dion Waiters is one of the more polarizing players in the NBA. What kind of player will he be for the Miami Heat?
Out with D-Wade, in with D-Wait! Although this wasn’t the headline, Dion Waiters does have enormous work in front in him to gain the adulation of the Miami Heat fan base.
With Heat legend Dwyane Wade departing, the shooting guard position represents some enormous shoes to fill. And with a potential replacement in Josh Richardson out for the short-term due to injury, Waiters has a tremendous opportunity.
Team President Pat Riley swooped on Waiters when he became available, after the player decided against taking up his player option in Oklahoma City. He instead signed in South Beach on a two-year, $6 million deal with the second year including a player option. Considering the jump in this seasons salary cap, the deal represents a bargain.
As Riley stated upon his signing, “Dion is not a Room exception player”. And as can be seen from the article, Riley is genuinely excited with Waiters’ potential.
Waiters is joining incumbent guards Goran Dragic, Tyler Johnson, Beno Udrih and Richardson. Wayne Ellington is another newcomer adding to this now-crowded backcourt. All possessing different skill sets, these players will clearly take time to mesh.
Waiters has his own skill-set in which the Heat are going to need to both develop and harness. With Dragic now in charge of the offence, Waiters will need to find his his footing and utilise his talents within the structure of the Heat moving forward.
Next: Good Waiters?