In three seasons with the Miami Heat, Josh McRoberts has played in just 81 of a possible 227 games while dealing with various knee and foot injuries. But what could he provide if healthy?
Injuries have been a constant concern during Josh McRoberts’ tenure with the Miami Heat and this season has been no different. After appearing in just 22 games, the 10-year veteran was ruled out for the season with a stress fracture in his left foot.
But McRoberts has a $6 million player option next season, and if he can find a way to stay healthy, he’d fit right into the team’s style.
To start, let’s get a refresher on McRoberts’ talents. This is one of his last good games with the Heat:
Almost immediately we notice the big man’s comfort with the ball in his hands.
And his ability to knock down the outside jumper.
Shooting
With Hassan Whiteside roaming the paint, it’s requisite to have an outside threat at power forward to stretch the floor. This season, Luke Babbitt has filled the role well: shooting 42.7 percent from three on three attempts per game.
A healthy McRoberts would provide similar production from deep: in 2013-14 with Charlotte (his last full season), he shot 36.1 percent on 3.7 tries a game. Sure, he’s not as stretchy as Babbitt, but his skills in other areas would compensate.
Versatility
When healthy, the 6-foot-10 McRoberts is among the most versatile players on the roster.
Not only can he shoot, but he can handle the ball, drive and pass. Oh boy, can he pass.
Heat's Josh McRoberts drops a no-look between-the-legs pass to Mario Chalmers. Too good. http://t.co/MrNg4pGA8V https://t.co/a8xPn1HiIg
— theScore (@theScore) December 2, 2014
Miami’s offense thrives on ball movement, and the big man’s game perfectly matches that. Not only does McRoberts have incredible court vision, but also a knack for putting teammates in scoring position. In 2013-14 with Charlotte, he averaged 4.3 assists – second on the team to point guard Kemba Walker.
McRoberts versatility would enable the big man to be deployed in an array of lineups. He would likely start next to Whiteside to stretch the floor, but it’s fun to imagine McRoberts operating from the top of the key, dishing to cutters and shooters.
In the last 24 games, the Heat are shooting an NBA best 41.0 percent from three, and McRoberts passing would create more open looks from deep. In fact, one player in particular would likely benefit from his playmaking. Per NBA.com, Dion Waiters is shooting 42.5 percent on catch and shoot threes, compared to 30.5 percent on pull ups.
Defense
His rebounding and rim protection are not great, as he’s never averaged over 5.3 boards or 0.8 blocks for a season. But he is capable in those categories, and that’s all the Heat need him to be.
With an elite rebounder and shot blocker in Whiteside at his side, McRoberts just needs to be an average rebounder, work hard and play quality team defense.
Earlier in the season, head coach Erik Spoelstra praised McRoberts for doing just that. Via Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel:
"“J-Mac is vital for this group,” [Spoelstra] said. “And I wish that the average fan could see all the intangibles that he brings to the table. He’s super-high IQ. And he’s our best communicator on defense. So he’s a very good team defender.”"
In the end, all of this is moot if McRoberts isn’t healthy.
Next: The Heat have made the 3-ball their new identity
Outside of trade deadline rumors of a possible salary dump, there’s been little news out of the Heat camp on Josh McRobert’s progress. The possibility of stretching his contract in a buyout exists, but that’s mostly fan speculation at this point. If McRoberts can find a way to stay healthy next season, there’s no doubt the Heat would reap the benefits.