Miami Heat: Matt Farrell is a great addition to the team’s Summer League roster

The Miami Heat have signed Matt Farrell to their Summer League roster.

After a quiet draft night, the Miami Heat were unable to make any moves. Instead, they signed the University of Notre Dame’s Matt Farrell to their Summer League roster.

Many were disappointed when president Pat Riley was unable to find a way into this year’s draft.

Rumors lurked around that the Heat were willing to deal Justise Winslow in hopes for a first-round pick. That could have been the move to grab Boise State’s Chandler Hutchison, who was the center of the Heat’s rumors.

Nothing seemed attractive enough for Riley as he settled for undrafted players

"“Roster spots are tight. So what we want to do is fill out our summer roster with two-way contracts and also affiliate contracts, our summer league team and go from there.”"

A two-way contract might be the best way to approach Farrell. The 6-foot-1 guard comes in undersized, but you’ll never notice by the way he plays.

Farrell fits right into the Heat culture.

He’s easily one of the toughest guys at Notre Dame, both the way he plays as well as what he’s been through. At one point Farrell was even considering transferring, due to playing behind current 76ers’ guard Demetrius Jackson.

Instead, he waited for his shot. The first four starts of his career took place in the NCAA Tournament and put Notre Dame on a run to the Elite Eight in 2015-16. Last season, Farrell stepped up as a team captain and landed on the Naismith and Wooden Award watch lists.

When you look at the Heat guards Goran Dragic and Tyler Johnson, you can’t help but notice their toughness and ability to make a play with and without the ball.

Farrell is the same way.

Miami will love his quickness and ability to create.

Defense, even in the association, will struggle to stay in front of him. Driving to the lane at 6-foot-1 sounds like a dead end for most in the NBA. But for Farrell, it’s an opportunity to display his toughness or his creative passes.

Head coach Erik Spoelstra has set up some beautiful pick-and-roll plays that have seemed unstoppable. The last two seasons, Farrell and his Notre Dame teammate Bonzie Colson have mastered that play. Hassan Whiteside and Bam Adebayo should be foaming at the mouth if given the opportunity to play with him.

The reason Heat Nation would really fall in love with Farrell is his shooting. It seems like no matter where he is, his feet are naturally squared up and ready to shoot. That’s why his jumper is so deadly.

Farrell can go from dribbling to elevated and releasing the ball before the defense even thinks to put a hand up. While he might not have Steph Curry range, Notre Dame’s head coach Mike Brey gave him the green light anytime he was past half court.

A dominant performance against Boston College last season shows just how lethal his shot can be.

The Miami Heat were not the only ones interested in Farrell either. He’s worked out for seven teams, although the Heat were not one, and received other offers.

While talking to Keith Glass, Farrell’s agent, he mentioned that nine teams contacted him about Summer League and five offered an Exhibit 10 deal.

If you have watched Farrell during his time with Notre Dame, you know he’s determined. When it comes to his career, he’s decided to bet on himself.

"“He told those teams to keep their money. He’s putting his putting his money where his mouth is.”"

When it comes down to it, Farrell elected to sign up for the Summer League, to showcase what he can do.

Glass also mentioned that the Heat expressed interest before the draft, despite not inviting him to a workout. With a realistic shot at more than just a Summer League stint, Farrell chose Miami. While signed to the Heat’s Summer League, he will have the opportunity to sign with any team in the league.

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With how well Farrell hypothetically works in the Heat’s system, he may be worth at minimum two-way contract.