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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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MIAMI, FL – NOVEMBER 22: Dion Waiters #11 of the Miami Heat speaks to media after game against the Boston Celtics on November 22, 2017 at AmericanAirlines 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – NOVEMBER 22: Dion Waiters #11 of the Miami Heat speaks to media after game against the Boston Celtics on November 22, 2017 at AmericanAirlines 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

So do you think Waiters will remain in South Florida for the long haul?

Rahming: Absolutely.

Living in Philadelphia, anyone that you speak to about Waiters knows his path was not an easy one. Filled with constant change, avoiding the wrong crowds, death, and a misperception that he’s too cocky, Waiters has finally been able to find a place to call home at just the right time.

The Culture was desperately searching for a star and in walked Waiters on a one-year ‘prove it’ deal, with a player option for the second. He may not have been who we pictured at first but he’s the scoring option we needed. A mentally tough, scoring off-guard who backs down from no one and has the skills to back it up against the league’s elite. I think he knows his career has been saved. He’s another president Pat Riley reclamation success story with a clear-cut role and a contract guaranteed through 2021. In today’s NBA, that’s becoming harder and harder for non-rookies or stars in their prime. Just ask Carmelo Anthony…

Johnson: I have no reason to think Waiters will leave Miami any time soon.

The organization speaks highly of him, lauding him for his work to return to the court. If his growth goes unencumbered by his ankle surgery, Miami is the perfect place for him. Surrounded by flexible pieces that finally let him be the star he knows he is, Waiters has the opportunity to become what he couldn’t in Oklahoma or Cleveland.

Plus, Heat Nation needs someone to cling onto after Wade retires. The Heat have failed to attract the big name free agent they’ve wanted over the last few years, but at just 26 years old (he’ll be 27 in December) Miami just might have found their guy.

Next: Is Hassan Whiteside's career salvageable for the Miami Heat?

In Waiters the Miami Heat trust.

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