Miami Heat: Getting Familiar With Latest Acquisition, Nemanja Bjelica
By Isiah Curry
Miami Heat’s Newest Addition: Nemanja Bjelica’s Kings tenure And Why It Ended
His best season with Sacramento came in 2018-19, for which he scored in double figures in 49 games, including a 30-point eruption on 13-18 shooting in a 110-106 road win over the Dallas Mavericks.
However, Nemanja’s third and final season with the Kings showcased inconsistency shooting wise. In 26 games and just one start, his numbers slipped to just 7.2 points per game while he went just 17-58 from outside, making him expendable in trade talks.
Ironically, Bjelica’s strongest outing this season came against the Heat in February — scoring 25 points on 11-21 shooting, but going just 2-9 from outside. Despide Nemanja’s strong night, the Heat still managed to defeat Sacramento, 118-110.
Now, as a newly-acquired member of the Miami Heat, Bjelica’s production will be a strong necessity whether Head Coach Erik Spoelstra starts him or not. Miami continues to spackle veteran talent around their developing youth and despite being three years older than Olynyk, expect Nemanja’s role to be quite similar — providing that deep-range shooting ability while also creating inside opportunities.
The Heat have succeeded and in fact, over-performed, almost all deadline expectations this year. They are now suited to make a return to the NBA Finals for the second consecutive year.
Next. 3 reasons why Victor Oladipo move was brilliantly done. dark
Expect Bjelica to have several strong performances on the offensive end, as he now joins a roster that’s primed to compete against the league’s best franchises. What he does translates and what he doesn’t do well should only be improved by soaking up the Culture.