3) Derrick Jones Jr.
Mostly known for his jams, slams, and dunks–Derrick Jones Jr became more than that this year. Coincidentally in the same of which he won the All-Star weekend’s Slam Dunk Contest, the 23-year old forward had the best season of his career.
Jones posted 8.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.1 steals this year. But his 3-point shooting (27 3PT%) hinders any further progress he’s to make on his career path.
It will also make for a hard question when the Heat start thinking about what kind of deal it might take to keep him around beyond this season.
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald recently reported that the expectation is that Jones will ask for a multi-year deal come the summer. With Miami’s eyes on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s (potential) free agency in 2021, it’s probably not something they can offer.
Unless Jones is willing to take somewhat of a pay cut to stay in Miami, he may be on his way out.
Still, for the time being, Jones should be considered just as much a part of the Heat youthful plans as any of his teammates. If the season resumes as expected, or just jumpstarts at the playoffs, he’ll have an opportunity to prove he belongs in South Beach. But will it be enough to secure his future?