Miami Heat: Who is former Kansas guard Malik Newman?
Who did the Miami Heat recently sign?
The Miami Heat haven’t exactly made a splash this offseason, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t made any moves either.
Most recently, the organization signed Malik Newman to an undisclosed deal.
The guard spent some time on the Los Angeles Lakers Summer League team this summer, having averaged 3.2 points on 6-for-9 shooting from the field (including going 2-of-6 from downtown), over five games. He was signed to a two-way contract with the Lakers on July 1, but was then later waived on the 19.
The 21-year-old started off his collegiate basketball career at Mississippi State University, committing to the school in April 2015, after being selected to participate in the McDonald’s All-American Game, the Jordan Brand Classic and the Nike Hoop Summitt. He was a three-time Mississippi Mr. Basketball recipient, and was ranked tenth overall in the Class of 2015 by ESPN.
However, in July 2016, Newman decided to transfer to the University of Kansas, redshirting for the 2016-17 season.
During his lone year as a Jayhawk, he averaged 14.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.0 assists in 31.6 minutes of play, over 39 games. He shot 46.3 percent from the field, as well as 41.5 percent from 3-point land, ultimately scoring 85 3-pointers on the year; this was the ninth-most in a season in school history. Additionally, he was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Year.
His success didn’t stop in the regular season though, as Newman was named the Big 12 Championship’s Most Outstanding Player, having averaged 24.0 points and 4.3 rebounds, leading his team to the 2018 Big 12 title.
He also led the team in scoring, averaging 21.6 points in the 2018 NCAA Tournament (during which Kansas made it to the Final Four). In fact, it was his career-high 32 points that earned Kansas the Elite Eight victory over Duke University.
Impressive accolades all around.
Still, the Louisiana-native has some development to undergo, before he’s really ready for the big leagues. Lucky for him though, the Heat know a thing or two about molding impressionable talent.
It’s a safe bet that Newman will spend some time with Miami’s G-League affiliate team, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, before ever actually stepping foot on the big stage. But even so, the undrafted guard has plenty to celebrate.
So far, so good for Newman, who already has an impactful resume. Now it’s time to see how successful he can be in this new chapter.
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