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Updating the Miami Heat’s 2017-18 depth chart after the draft

By Lucas Gama

Jan 21, 2017; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Edrice Bam Adebayo (3) shoots the ball against South Carolina Gamecocks guard Duane Notice (10) in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated South Carolina 85-69. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2017; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Edrice Bam Adebayo (3) shoots the ball against South Carolina Gamecocks guard Duane Notice (10) in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated South Carolina 85-69. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /
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Shooting Guard

Mar 29, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Miami Heat shooting guard Rodney McGruder (17) drives against New York Knicks shooting guard Ron Baker (31) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Miami Heat shooting guard Rodney McGruder (17) drives against New York Knicks shooting guard Ron Baker (31) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Starter: Rodney McGruder

Backup: Wayne Ellington

With Dion Waiters being an impending free agent, the door is open for the starting job at this position as of now. Rodney McGruder started at small forward for the Heat this season once Justise Winslow went out with an injury. He impressed the coaches and fans with his contribution in his first year in the NBA. He is a great defender, and at 6’4” and 205 pounds, he has the right size for this position.

Also, he has been working hard on his shooting mechanics to improve his shooting percentage. He has gotten advice from Wayne Ellington, a great 3-point shooter on the team. Here is what he had to say about working with Ellington:

Per the Miami Herald:

"I just ask him questions and I ask him what he does and just watch him. I look at his film and I look at my shot, and just trying to see how I can get better because he’s one of the best shooters in the league. That’s somebody that you can learn from."

Adding an improved jumper to his game will make him even more reliable. He has an extremely high motor and is a pest on the defensive end. Here is more on why McGruder is one of the Miami Heat’s most reliable players.

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