Miami Heat: 3 goals for KZ Okpala’s 2021-22 season
By Jack Simone
The Miami Heat have zero draft picks this year. Due to that, their young talent from the last few years will have a great opportunity again next season.
There’s a possibility that they have some cap space, but internal development should be a top priority. With some of their role players getting up there in age, Miami’s youth has to be ready to step up.
Duncan Robinson, Kendrick Nunn, Victor Oladipo, Trevor Ariza, and Dewayne Dedmon are all free agents this offseason. Though the Miami Heat will have rights on Robinson and Nunn, there’s a chance they earn more than Pat Riley will be willing to pay.
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With all the uncertainty with next season’s roster, it’s important that every player steps up. This includes Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and everyone else in the rotation.
While Adebayo and Tyler Herro are the premiere young pieces on the roster, the Heat have more young talent to develop. Precious Achiuwa has shown potential, but KZ Okpala in particular has a chance to find a niche in the rotation.
The Miami Heat selected Okpala with the 32nd pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. They even traded three second-rounders to the Indiana Pacers in order to make the pick.
These sort of high hopes indicate that the organization believes that Okpala can be a valuable part of their rotation. In order to do so, however, he’ll have to put in some serious work this offseason.
Okpala appeared in 37 games during his sophomore campaign, averaging 2.5 points per game. KZ Okpala has a ton of room to grow, so here are three goals he should have for next year.