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Miami Heat 1-on-1: Is Dion Waiters an integral part of the team’s success?

By Rahmeaun Rahming

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - DECEMBER 8: Dion Waiters of the Miami Heat speaks to the media as part of the NBA Mexico Games 2017 on December 8, 2017 at the American School in Mexico City, Mexico. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - DECEMBER 8: Dion Waiters of the Miami Heat speaks to the media as part of the NBA Mexico Games 2017 on December 8, 2017 at the American School in Mexico City, Mexico. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – DECEMBER 8: Dion Waiters of the Miami Heat speaks to the media as part of the NBA Mexico Games 2017 on December 8, 2017 at the American School in Mexico City, Mexico. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – DECEMBER 8: Dion Waiters of the Miami Heat speaks to the media as part of the NBA Mexico Games 2017 on December 8, 2017 at the American School in Mexico City, Mexico. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Is Dion Waiters the Miami Heat’s X-factor?

Alright, how did you feel about the Miami Heat signing Dion Waiters, and what are your feelings on him as part of the roster now?

Rahmeaun Rahming (@Boneman9000): It took a few days to sink in that Dwyane Wade was really gone, but when it was announced that Dion Waiters was signing with us, I was pissed.

I remember saying repeatedly to anyone who would listen, “I can’t believe we signed this guy. All he’s going to do is nominate himself for ‘Shaqtin a Fool’.” Later that year, my dad and I sat down to watch a Miami Heat game where I took three minutes to unleash my thoughts on him and what does he do next? He checks into the game, runs the play head coach Erik Spoelstra called (which mostly kept him off ball), and calmly sinks a corner 3. I said to my dad “Oop! I guess that shut me up.” From that moment on, I knew he was a player I needed to pay attention to. Now I can’t see the team without him on it. He’s our ‘X-factor.’ If he ever gets traded, we’re either getting an All-Star player, or we’re tanking.

Brandon Johnson (@bjtripleot): To be perfectly honest, Miami signing Waiters was entirely underwhelming, considering their recent history.

After forming the Heatles in 2010, adding Waiters was just another drop in the bucket, at least at first. On paper, his presence wasn’t anything to hype up. He averaged just 9.8 points per game the season prior and had a bit of a reputation around the league.

His affinity for long 2’s didn’t mesh well with the modern NBA (he attempted 301 mid-range shots in 2015-16, more than either his buckets at the rim or from 3) , and his high self-confidence immediately struck me as being a bit too cocky, given his lacking NBA resume. But then 2017 happened.

Waiters’ unabashed brand of swagger was the perfect fit for a Heat team that lost its leader. He takes the tough shots. He pushes for the comebacks. And most importantly, he bought into the system. Players like him can often fall victim to their own ego – look no further than Nerlens “I Bet on Myself” Noel. Waiters bought into Miami’s training regimen and cemented himself a leader on a squad looking for an identity.

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