Dion Waiters
I have had zero stock on Waiters’ island during the entirety of his career in Miami, even during the Golden State 3-point winning shot, I just don’t think this player mirrors what the Heat want out of their franchise. While the anger and emotion from Goran Dragic can be a bit much sometimes, the anger and emotion of Waiters’ seems to be against everyone on the court, including his Heat teammates and coaching staff.
And even though Waiters often compares his personality to a Jordan like style, it’s important to differentiate Waiters and a personality like Michael Jordan, simply because Waiters brings down his peers and Jordan forces the most out of his. I don’t think the Heat need to continue to the Waiters’ experiment, but unfortunately, a lot like Dragic, both guards trade values are very low right now, so it may be best to wait.
Peace out, Waiters’ island, hopefully.
Rodney McGruder
This player is a difficult one to move, as the Heat have McGruder’s team option going into next season for only $1.5 million. A lot of Miami analysts believe the Heat should just move McGruder for a future 2nd, but I would argue that now with Johnson and Ellington gone, McGruder’s minutes will matter more.
He may even become a starter once again, if Spo decides to keep Dwyane Wade on the bench. Ultimately, even though I have previously said that Dragic and Olynyk are Miami’s most prized assets outside of the young trio, McGruder could surprisingly be up there too, as he is extremely cheap.
Keep updated with All U Can Heat as we get closer to the 3 PM Eastern deadline.