Miami Heat: Rodney McGruder is thriving as a slick-shooting scavenger

Miami Heat swingman Rodney McGruder is thriving so far with the team this season.

It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, it’s shiny and new Miami Heat swingman Rodney McGruder.

To most fans and media, this guy had miraculously come out of nowhere to anchor the team when they needed it most.

A 2-2 record isn’t anything to get the panic button out about, but with losses to middling teams like the Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets, I can understand why fans have been on the edge of their seats.

That one point win in Washington versus the Wizards didn’t help either.

For those of you who have been watching the Heat in the South Florida area or like me on League Pass throughout the years, we know that McGruder has gone by a different monicker: Slick Shooter McGruder.

This name was earned in the magical 2016-17 season, where the Heat went 41-41, and Waiters Island became a popular travel destination.

Although the Heat failed to make the playoffs, I still stand firmly on my opinion that if the Brooklyn Nets hadn’t thrown the last game of the season versus the Chicago Bulls, the Heat would’ve made the postseason.

But alas, I digress.

During that season, McGruder appeared in 78 games while starting in 65 of them.

With most of his time spent at shooting guard that season, he averaged 6.4 points per game on 5.9 attempts; that percentage (41.3 percent) is not good.

He was also able to make 33 percent of his 3’s on 2.8 attempts per game.

All in all, I think the fanbase was just excited to have a rookie to get behind. He showed promise, but I’m not sure he earned that nickname.

After a promising rookie season, McGruder was only able to contribute in 18 games the following year. Who knew that missing 64 games combined with the offseason, would turn him into what he’s become today: The Scavenger.

Through the Heat’s first four games, McGruder has soaked up pretty much all minutes left on the table by the injuries of guys like Justise Winslow, and James Johnson, to the tune of a team-leading 34 minutes a game.

During his time on the court, he’s often seen as a primary ball handler.

He’s a tough player that doesn’t mind getting his teammates involved. He’s also been able to take over in situations and create shots for himself; 53 percent of his shot attempts come from beyond the 3-point line, which is great because the team could use his shooting touch.

Plus, let me be one of many to tell you that he is not just a 3-point shooter.

Along with is blazing 57 percent from the 3-point line, McGruder also makes 52 percent of his 2-point shots, which makes him a deadly player on the offensive end, who does not settle for long midrange jumpers.

In fact, he’s taken zero midrange shots outside 16 feet.

The sky’s the limit for him.

Let’s just hope that head coach Erik Spoelstra continues to find minutes for him, as the older veterans get healthy and enter the rotation.

(Also, with that said, if you haven’t already picked him up in fantasy, what are you waiting for?)

Since he’s scorching from the floor, you might be wondering about his other stats.

As it turns out, he’s an excellent option for those as well from the guard position.

He’s top three on the team when it comes to rebounds (second), assists (second), steals (second), blocks (second), and total points (third).

Seriously, this guy is the real deal.

Here’s to seeing what’s next for McGruder.