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Miami Heat’s Erik Spoelstra likes what he’s seeing so far in Summer League

By Allana Tachauer

MIAMI, FL - APRIL 19: Head Coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat speaks with media during a press conference after the game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Three of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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 Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - APRIL 19: Head Coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat speaks with media during a press conference after the game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Three of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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 Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra is enjoying Summer League.

Miami Heat fans seem to be enjoying Summer League action so far, and they’re not alone.

Head coach Erik Spoelstra also likes what he’s been seeing from his team.

Having gone 2-1 in the California Classic, the Heat have started their Summer League campaign off strong, much to Spoelstra’s excitement. And while offseason ball is obviously a very different beast than regular season play, his words are encouraging going into 2018-19.

"“He’s been terrific,” Spoelstra said of newly signed Derrick Jones Jr. “He’s been all in with all the work. He wants more. Those guys tend to do well in our program. I was really happy for him when he signed the contract. It’s not easy in this league when you’re not drafted and then somebody cuts you. You have to show a level of grit and determination to be able to re-start.”"

What a second chance it’s been too.

Jones, who averaged 21.3 points on 51.0 percent shooting, 7.3 rebounds and 1.0 assists in Sacramento, has been Miami’s headlining act this summer. Although fans got a glimpse into his potential last year, as he was on a two-way contract, the 21-year-old finally has the chance to really show Heat Nation what he brings to the table.

Of course, there are still improvements to be made. Like getting better from the charity stripe.

The high-flier went 15-for-29 at the line during the tournament, a stat which could very well decide a game during the regular season.

Still, there’s no doubt that Jones will excel in the Heat’s system, moving forward.

Spoelstra also spoke on Bam Adebayo, another Summer League shining star.

"“The staff has challenged him to be the top rebounder in summer league and that’s defensive and offensive.. The other parts of his game he’s been developing and I want him to explore handling the ball more, being more offensive minded, that’s what Summer League is for.”"

In other words, Adebayo should keep doing what he did all year, but also get used to positionless basketball.

In 2017-18, it was Justise Winslow who got a feel for expanding his game beyond that of a traditional small forward. Many times, he actually found himself running point, which it turns out isn’t as crazy as it sounds. On paper, it seems like that should have been a failed experience, but the young buck held things down and ended up with a much wider set of skills than he came into the season with.

Now, it’s Adebayo’s turn.

It’ll probably be a while before bringing the ball up the court feels like second nature to the 20-year-old, but Adebayo didn’t look half bad doing it during the team’s first leg of Summer League.

Next: The Miami Heat need to sign Jamal Crawford this offseason

Spoelstra may have a lot on his mind concerning the Miami Heat this offseason, but one thing he doesn’t need to worry about is how his young guys are performing this summer.

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