Miami Heat: Top free agent options to backup Goran Dragic
By Simon Smith
Sergio Rodriguez, Philadelphia 76ers
Following a six-season absence, Rodriguez returned to the NBA to provide some veteran ball handling and leadership to an extremely young Sixers squad. In a combination of starting and a reserve role, Rodriguez posted 7.8 points and 5.1 assists per game. In 30 games as a starter, these numbers rose to 9.7 points and 6.3 assists, including shooting at an impressive 37.0 percent clip from three-point range.
One notable statistic was Rodriguez’s 2:86 assist-to-turnover ratio over 38 games as a reserve. Considering the Sixers’ uptempo style of play, and that Rodriguez’s pace (possessions per 48 minutes) was 100.47, this is an impressive feat. Turning 31 before the start of next season, Rodriguez’s experience both in the NBA and abroad would provide a terrific insurance policy for the Heat’s backcourt.
Rodriguez’s most impressive game this season came during a road loss to the Phoenix Suns. Playing 26 minutes, Rodriguez notched 21 points and seven assists, which included shooting 4-of-8 from behind three.
The highlights from this performance can be seen here:
When viewing the highlights, Rodriguez possesses many similar traits to Dragic. His ability to enter the lane, getting into the teeth of the defense and then distributing to shooters would be a great fit with the Heat. His ability to hit three ball is also an added bonus. Further, displaying the ability to play alongside a dominant center in Joel Embiid gives him somewhat of a preparation in sharing the court with Heat center Hassan Whiteside.
This season, Rodriguez played on a one-year, $8 million deal. The generous nature of this deal was primarily due to the Sixers needing to reach the salary cap floor for 2016-17. If he were to negotiate a deal with the Heat this summer, Rodriguez would need to be willing to take a pay cut in order for the Heat to facilitate their top priorities.