Miami Heat news: Midseason player grades for each Heat player
By Duncan Smith
The good
Tyler Herro
13.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, shooting splits of .417/.385/.851
Grade: B
The 20-year-old Tyler Herro has been the only competitor in teammate Kendrick Nunn’s chase for the title of Eastern Conference Rookie of the Year. While that’s not actually an award, it might as well be considering their two-man race for the last couple Rookie of the Month awards.
Herro has delivered on the promise of his shooting prowess and playmaking ability, and he’s proven to have the nerve to hit clutch shots late in games.
Goran Dragic
15.4 points, 2.9 assists, 5.0 rebounds, shooting splits of .445/.402/.717
Grade: B
Goran Dragic would rank so much higher if availability wasn’t an issue. The Heat have worked with an eight-man rotation much of the season, and Dragic has missed 10 games.
That said, when he’s been on the floor he’s been outstanding. Dragic has been a difference-maker off the Heat bench.
Meyers Leonard
6.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists, shooting splits of .542/.457/.684
Grade: B
Meyers Leonard has been forced into action as the starting center since the season began. Much like the rest of the surprise performers on this Heat roster, he’s made the most of the opportunity. Leonard has been a solid big defender and has shot the cover off the ball from long range.
Chris Silva
3.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, shooting splits of .691/.000/.683
Grade: B
Chris Silva has been a valuable depth piece as a two-way player for the Heat. He only averaged 8.3 minutes per game in his 30 appearances, but he’s filled in rotational gaps and provided energy and rebounding off the bench. His playing time has been sparse but vital and he’s done everything that’s been asked of him.
Derrick Jones Jr.
8.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.1 steals, shooting splits of .470/.230/.758
Grade: B-
More consistent offense from Derrick Jones Jr. would vault him up the grading board, but he’s played an important role with Justise Winslow out for so much of the season so far. Jones has been their most reliable wing and guard stopped alongside Jimmy Butler.