Miami Heat 2016-17 player preview: Wayne Ellington

What Ellington does well

Shooting is Ellington’s number one attribute, and is the reason he was brought to Miami this offseason. Another great attraction for the Heat is his ability to play off the ball. This has been evidenced in his play for the Heat in the preseason. In his first four games per NBA.com, 92.3 percent of his field goals made have been assisted by a teammate. With Hassan Whiteside down low and Goran Dragic attacking the defence with the ball in his hands, Ellington is ideally suited the Heat’s new approach on offence.

Aside from perimeter shooting being a strength, professionalism and character are also traits that would’ve attracted the Heat to Ellington. Throughout his seven year career, Ellington has been lauded by coaches and teammates for his dedication and approach to the game. One such example was his time in Dallas, where he averaged just 8.7 minutes per game in 45 games. At the time, Dallas head coach Rick Carlisle noted, “There hasn’t been one time all year where he has complained or dropped his head.”

Ellington can spark an offence either in the half-court or the open court. One example of excelling in the half-court was during his college career. Ellington was named the NCAA final four most outstanding player as North Carolina won the 2009 NCAA title. Ellington certainly does have good pedigree, something the Heat will be looking forward to seeing this season.