The Miami Heat found a dynamic first-year player in Kendrick Nunn, via the G-League team of the Warriors. Here is his season recap and superlative.
The Miami Heat scouting and development program is unmatched. Those are practically scientific facts at this period in history.
They are responsible for some guys that are now household names, after taking them in the second round, signing them as undrafted guys, or by randomly picking them up off the street or scrapheap.
Kendrick Nunn was just the latest in a long line of those types. He definitely falls into the category of success for the Miami Heat in that area though.
Across 67 contest played in what was dubbed his official rookie season, after playing last season in the G-League, Nunn averaged 15.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists on 43.9 percent shooting from the field in general and 35 percent from the deep line.
He did all of this en route to a Rookie of the Year bid, where he finished in between this past draft’s number one and two picks. That was second behind Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies, but ahead of New Orleans Pelicans rookie athletic phenomenon, Zion Williamson.
The Miami Heat always find those diamonds in the rough or less-heralded guys. Kendrick Nunn is the latest.
He did receive his due though, making the All-Rookie First team, which was a well-earned honor for the silky smooth combo guard out of Chicago. His scoring and ease of movement around the court are really what set him apart.
He saw no matchup that was too big and there was no shot that was too tough. Kendrick Nunn hit big ones for the Miami Heat all year long for the most part. Here is his season grade.
A
You give him a flat “A” and not the “A+” because he could have done a little bit more for you on the creative end, as far as getting his teammates more involved. Many of you thought it was for his bubble showing probably, but I can’t knock him for contracting coronavirus nor attending the funeral of his uncle, according to reports.
Kendrick Nunn really earned his superlative as well. Here it is.
Most likely to be the smallest guy on the court with the biggest confidence
Kendrick Nunn is a lion. He isn’t afraid.
You can see that each and every time he gets on the floor or touches the rock. His confidence in his abilities got him into a few sticky scenarios this season, as far as trying to do too much or taking a shot that he shouldn’t have, but for the most part, it boded well for him and his team.
Kendrick Nunn had a really good year for the Miami Heat and especially for it being his rookie season. If he remains with the Miami Heat, as he played himself into being a potentially valuable asset for deals as well, we look forward to seeing how he continues to evolve.