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 /

Luke Babbitt

Season numbers: 4.2 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 0.5 APG, 33.7 FG%, 32.8 3P%, 15.9 MPG, 19 GP

Although he entered the Heat via a fairly low-key offseason trade, Babbitt landed the starting power forward spot for the first eight games of the season. Head coach Erik Spoelstra clearly saw his perimeter shooting as a way of stretching the floor and utilising the Heat’s proposed new approach on offence. Babbitt’s contributions, however, have been quite negligible over the course of the season.

As can be seen from the numbers above, his shooting returns have been substandard for a player classified as a shooter. Babbitt has started 11 of the 19 games he has played, and has also seen time time at the small forward spot at various times. Babbitt has twice nailed three three-pointers, but he has not demonstrated very much apart from the occasional ability to hit the three-point shot

Still, Babbitt has competed hard and is a handy insurance policy for any team to possess.

Grade: D

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