Miami Heat 2016-17 player preview: Luke Babbit

Last season and breakout game

Babbitt experienced an injury interrupted season in New Orleans, where he played just 47 games. He averaged 7.0 points per game and 3.1 rebounds per game in 18 minutes per game. He shot 42.2 percent from the field with a usage rate of 17.5. Due to multiple injuries on the Pelicans roster, Babbitt experienced a spike in playing opportunities toward the end of the season. Over Babbitt’s last 13 games, his playing time soared to 29.6 minutes per game. He averaged 14.7 points per game and 5.3 rebounds per game whilst shooting 44.2 percent from the field. He had a usage rate of 22.1 and converted at 47 percent from three point range.

During this stretch, he scored over 20 points on three occasions and started in seven of these games. These numbers are certainly heartening for all involved with the Heat. It surely demonstrates that Babbitt is capable of producing when provided the opportunity.

His top performance last season came on March 22 against, ironically, the Miami Heat. Babbitt contributed 23 points on 10-19 shooting from the field in 35 minutes and a usage rate of 26.8. He also had 4 rebounds and a steal whilst hitting 2-2 from three point land. As can be seen from the above video, Babbitt is very crafty and can score in a number of ways.

Catch-and shoot from down-town, dribble-drives from the top of the key, turnaround jumpers and cutbacks off his own miss were just some of the offerings demonstrated. Without a doubt, the Heat had this performance in the back of their mind when they acquired his services.