Miami Heat: Grading every player at the midway point of the season
By Simon Smith
Rodney McGruder
McGruder was the final man to make the Heat roster this season, but has so far exceeded almost all expectations. McGruder ranks fourth on the Heat in total minutes played, averaging 25.8 per game overall. In his 39 appearances, McGruder is averaging 5.6 points, 3,5 rebounds and 1.5 assists. He has shot 38.2 percent from the field and 31.4 percent from downtown.
McGruder has impressed the coaching staff with his relentless hustle and selfless play. His offensive role is primarily as a spotup shooter. So far 71.6 percent of his fields goals made have been assistsed by a teammate. Coupled with this is the fact that 73 percent of his field goal attempts have been made without taking a dribble. He has converted on 41.6 percent of these attempts.
McGruder’s larger than expected playing time has had much to do with the plague of injuries that have beset the Heat throughout the course of this season. Ideally he would be suited to a reserve role, where he has shown the ability to defend more than capably at the 2 and 3 spots.
Click below for the highlights of McGruder’s best game to date. Playing 22 minutes of the bench, McGruder hit 14 points including 3-of-4 from behind three.