Miami Heat: What does each player have to prove in NBA restart?
From Andre Iguodala to Derrick Jones Jr, the Miami Heat wing rotation has a number of narratives to watch as they head into the restart.
Derrick Jones Jr: Prove He’s Worth His Next Contract
One of the more pressing issues on the Miami Heat’s horizon is their upcoming offseason. With Pat Riley’s eyes on grabbing a third star in the 2021 offseason, each move they make in this year’s free agency market will have to be made with that in mind.
Derrick Jones Jr will be a free agent and is honestly the most likely candidate not to return to South Beach next year. Even after averaging 8.9 points and 1.1 steals for off the bench this year, Jones hasn’t yet shown why he’ll be worth the imminent price tag for Riley and company.
A strong showing in Orlando could help nudge the front office in the right direction.
Jimmy Butler: Prove Miami’s Ready to Be the Next Superteam
The biggest critique to Jimmy Butler and his game is whether or not he can lead his own team on the path that is playoffs. Yes, he’s been to the postseason in the last three consecutive years, but only once as the alpha dog and that was next to Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns.
His numbers this year seem to indicate such: 20.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. Still, Butler will need to really take charge and lead Miami to at least the second round if he’s to prove that the Heat are deserving as the locale for the NBA’s next superteam.
Jae Crowder: Prove He Deserves a Future Role
When the Miami Heat traded Justise Winslow back in February, it was Andre Iguodala who headlined the return. But Jae Crowder has since proved a valuable acquisition as well, as both an enforcer and defender. He’s averaging 11.9 points and 1.5 steals in 13 games with Miami.
But Crowder’s going to be a free agent as well come the offseason, and with so many decisions to make the Heat will need to be persuaded he should be prioritized.
If he can come out and be the same guy that was so reliable for the Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics, and Utah Jazz in recent years; it’ll be an easy decision for Riley and the front office.
Andre Iguodala: Prove He’s Worth his $15-Million Option
Fans were already upset when Riley traded away Winslow for a 36-year old Andre Iguodala. But when he followed that up by signing the veteran to a two-year extension, it was salt to an open wound. Fans were less than thrilled.
Yet Iguodala’s looked sharp and spry in his short span with the Heat, especially in their recent three games of scrimmage. he had two points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals, and two blocks in their final game; a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Iguodala is on the Heat’s books for $15-million in each of the next two years with the 2021-2022 season under a team option. Not only does he need to prove that he was worth giving up Winslow (he’s done that already), but he also needs to prove he’s worth his price tag.
Solomon Hill: Prove He’s Not Yet Done in the NBA
When Solomon Hill was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, it was thought his NBA career was all but over. That thought process was only further enforced when he was utilized as a salary filler in the Winslow trade. Can Spoelstra get something out of the veteran in Orlando?
In just six games with Miami, he’s averaging two and a half points. If he doesn’t make too much of an improvement with the Heat in Orlando, his next uniform may belong to an overseas club.
KZ Okpala: Prove He Can Be a Stud Defender
The Miami Heat aren’t sure what they have in 21-year old KZ Okpala, but they have high hopes for his potential as a stud talent on the defensive end.
The rookie forward most recently told reporters that the team has him watching film of guys like Kawhi Leonard, Shawn Marion, and Scottie Pippen, in order to “study different things from their games that they believe I can do as well.” Riley might be on to something.
But if Okpala can’t make the most of his limited minutes in Orlando, his tenure and development in South Beach may come to an end sooner than later. Despite what he can do on the defensive end.
Kyle Alexander: Prove He Exists
No, really. We have yet to see hide nor hair of Kyle Alexander since signing his two-way deal with the Miami Heat back in January. He’s played plenty for their G-League affiliate and impressed on that level: 10.6 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks in 23 games.
We know that Alexander is in Orlando, and ready to suit up when his name is called. The only question now is if, and how he’ll perform when given a shot on the NBA stage.