Grading the Miami Heat a quarter through the season

By Simon Smith | Dec 7, 2016

Nov 1, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Tyler Johnson (8) celebrates after making a three point basket against the Sacramento Kings during overtime at American Airlines Arena. The Miami Heat defeat the Sacramento Kings 108-96 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Dion Waiters

Season numbers: 14.2 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 3.9 APG, 38.4 FG%, 34.4 3P%, 31.8 MPG, 16 GP

Prior to his recent injury, Waiters had been a pleasant surprise during his short time in Miami. Signed at a relatively cheap price in the offseason, Waiters has demonstrated an ability few others on the Heat roster possess: creating his own shot.

Naturally moving forward, this is going to be a great asset for the Heat in tight game situations. Waiters has seemingly improved as the season has progressed, as evidenced by posting 18.8 points, 4.4 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game over his last eight games before injury set in.

Waiters’ main issue, as has been the case throughout his career, is efficiency. For the season, he is shooting 38.4 percent from the field and just 65.2 percent from the free-throw line. Further, Waiters’ usage ranks second on the team with 24.7, just behind Dragic’s 25.4. So even though Waiters has been posting some solid numbers, it’s taking a lot of time and effort to do so. Even during his impressive recent eight-game stretch, he was still only shooting 41.8 percent from the field.

When Waiters does eventually return from injury, a role coming off the bench combining his scoring and playmaking abilities would likely be the most logical option.

Grade: B

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