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Miami Heat: Takeaways from the first look at Summer League action

By Allana Tachauer

SACRAMENTO, CA - JULY 2: Derrick Jones Jr. #5 of the Miami Heat boxes out the Golden State Warriors during the 2018 California Classic on July 2, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - JULY 2: Derrick Jones Jr. #5 of the Miami Heat boxes out the Golden State Warriors during the 2018 California Classic on July 2, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Miami Heat Summer League play is here.

Miami Heat Basketball is finally back.

Last night, the team tipped off their Summer League campaign, facing the Golden State Warriors. And while they fell short 79-68, fans had plenty to feel good about anyways.

For starters, Bam Adebayo has clearly been working on his offensive presence.

Having spent the past few months studying under Rasheed Wallace, the 7-footer took on an aggressive role in his first Summer League showing. Going hard at the hoop every chance he could, Adebayo made sure to at least get some free throws out of almost every drive he took.

He ended up going to the charity stripe on 11 occasions, sinking in eight baskets, and finished the contest with 14 points.

It was actually the 20-year-old’s inside moves that saved his Monday night performance, given he shot just 3-of-10 from the field.

Adebayo used his size and strength down on the other end of the court too, totaling 14 rebounds on the evening. His regular season fearless demeanor has obviously continued into the offseason, as the big man locked down his competitors with ease.

Even more impressive than Adebayo however, was newly signed Derrick Jones Jr.

Jones, who led the team in points with 24 on 7-of-14 shooting (including going 4-for-5 from downtown), did a little bit of everything in an effort to overtake the Warriors.

The swingman showed off his mid-range jumper, flexed from 3, showcased his quick drives to the rim and oh yeah, threw down a two-handed, high-flying dunk to boot.

But the 21-year-old’s versatility didn’t stop there. He also grabbed 11 rebounds, proving his defensive worth as well.

(It’s safe to say the front office made a great decision in recently signing Jones to a two-year deal.)

Rashad Vaughn also put his best foot forward for the Heat, sinking in some quick ones. He may have only finished with nine points on 4-of-11 shooting, but it was easy to see glimpses of potential in the former UNLV guard’s game.

Between rushed shots and not enough ball movement, it’s clear this particular Miami squad still needs time to build chemistry, on top of get accustomed to Summer League play period. But things certainly could have been worse. And Heat Nation should only expect things to improve from here on out.

Next: Miami Heat: Here's what you need to know about Derrick Jones Jr.

The Miami Heat will take on the Los Angeles tonight, Tuesday, July 3 at 9 PM ET.

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