All U Can Heat
Fansided

Miami Heat: 3 goals for Dion Waiters in the 2019-20 season

By John Jablonka

The Miami Heat's Dion Waiters (11) reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019. The Nuggets won, 103-99. (David Santiago/Miami Herald/TNS via Getty Images)
The Miami Heat's Dion Waiters (11) reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019. The Nuggets won, 103-99. (David Santiago/Miami Herald/TNS via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Miami Heat
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 5: Dion Waiters #11 of the Miami Heat lo/ against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 5, 2019 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Keep that ego in check

Everyone has an ego, that’s understandable. And when you have been doubted all your career, then find a new home where you can succeed that will only grow. Waiters already have a previous history with arguments with a fellow alpha-type player on the team.

This can go back to the Kyrie Irving drama. One time during his stint with the Cavaliers, there was a players-only meeting where it almost escalated to a fight between him and Irving.

Another instance where his ego came to the news was not long ago. In 2017, rumors have been spread that Irving may be dealt to the Miami Heat. Here are Waiters’ comments about possibly pairing up with a former teammate:

"“It would help – I’m not against that,” Waiters said. “Just know there’s an alpha male over there too in myself.”"

This quote right here shows how he views himself.

But why is this important?

Well, it is because of Jimmy Butler. He too had a somewhat a similar career to Waiters. Started from the bottom, being doubted, and slowly progressed to being a star in the league. Since the 2015 season, Butler has been averaging around 15 field goal attempts. Waiters isn’t that far behind with 13. The usage rate tells us the same thing.

Both Waiters and Butler are similar when it comes to their ball dominance. Though their playstyles are similar, the level they are on is entirely different. Butler is by far the better player than Waiters in every aspect of the game apart from the 3 point shooting.

In the early years of Waiters’ career, he has played with players that are much better than him but that didn’t work out so well. Since coming to Miami, especially since his hot streak during the 13-game winning streak, he has been able to take the kind of shots he wants to. This will change this upcoming season.

The question is whether it will change for the better or the worse.

This going to be a huge test for him. Will he be able to swallow his pride and take the backseat to Butler? Or will he try to fight Butler for more shots and ruin the team chemistry?

Home/Heat News