Miami Heat news: Midseason player grades for each Heat player

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WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 23: Head coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat speaks to Dion Waiters #11 of the Miami Heat during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on March 23, 2019 in Washington, DC. 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. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

Dion Waiters (and Erik Spoelstra)

Dion Waiters

Grade: F

Yes, Dion Waiters has earned his own ignominious category. Waiters has been the more disappointing player in the NBA this year, and probably gets the award going back a few years as well. He has been suspended three separate times for various rule violations and has made himself toxic both to his own team and others.

ESPN’s Bobby Marks has theorized that Waiters’ NBA career might be over, and that’s with multiple years left on what is likely an untradeable contract. Waiters has only himself to blame for the situations he finds himself in.

Erik Spoelstra

Grade: A

Aside from the addition of Jimmy Butler to the roster, the biggest reason the Miami Heat are where they are is Erik Spoelstra. Just about every young player on the roster has played far above their highest expectations and every button he’s pressed has worked.

This can be traced to player development making these players better than when they arrived, but it also speaks to Spoelstra knowing when to trust his youngsters. With his starting backcourt injured or suspended to start the season, he threw Nunn and Robinson to the wolves to start the season.

The fact that they thrived in their baptism by fire is a tribute to them, but also to Spoelstra for knowing what they could handle.

Next. Theories about the Miami Heat's 2021 free agency plans. dark

Erik Spoelstra has been outstanding and should be the runaway favorite for Coach of the Year.

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