Miami Heat: 2020-21 End Of Season Grades For Trevor Ariza
By Isiah Curry
The Miami Heat need guys like Trevor Ariza around, but does that mean that they keep him around?
Ariza, who’s categorized as more of a traditional small forward, was another disciple of Heat coach Erik Spoelstra’s small-ball experiment — starting alongside Bam Adebayo at the power forward spot. Ariza was heavily relied on to defend larger players and especially in the drop-zone with Bam occasionally defending on the perimeter.
While Ariza isn’t a quality rim-protector, the best he could do is cut-off passing lanes and get steals. In Miami’s first-round series against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Heat just couldn’t contain the interior forces of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez.
With his lack of size, Ariza just couldn’t be much of a factor defensively in that series. Though he gave it all he had, effort alone wasn’t enough against Milwaukee this time.
Defensive Grade – B
Ariza exemplified much of what the Heat were looking for this year, as he contributed to a strong late-season push to get them into the first-round. He remains a respectable shooter from the outside and can keep defenses honest, while providing substantial effort on the other end.
These are characteristics in an NBA player that never goes away. Well, these are the characteristics of guys who never go away, meaning they play as long as they want, such as Vince Carter.
While it’s uncertain whether Ariza will return to Miami next year, his final seasons in the NBA aren’t far away. While he can still provide the veteran leadership and hustle for title-contending teams, Miami may want to look further than bringing back a forward who’s well beyond his best years.
Overall Grade – C+
dark. Next. You have to retain both Dewayne Dedmon & Trevor Ariza
They should still try to bring him back though. What can one more guy like Trevor hurt?
Nothing. Not a thing at all.