Players the Miami Heat passed on for Precious Achiuwa: Desmond Bane
Desmond Bane played super well for the Memphis Grizzlies last season. His elite three-point shooting proved to be invaluable as Memphis managed to squeak into the playoffs by way of the play-in.
He was selected 30th overall by the Boston Celtics and then swiftly traded to the Grizzlies on draft night. Bane played big-time minutes for them all year long.
Bane averaged 9.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. He shot 46.9% from the field and 43.2% from three-point range.
Among rookies who played in at least 50 games, Bane led the way in three-point percentage. He finished 13th in three-point percentage among all players who played at least 50 games and shot at least one three per game.
This super-efficient shooting played a huge role in Memphis’s offense, as Bane played 22.3 minutes per game. Over the 68 games he played, including 17 starts, this added up to 1519 total minutes played.
He capped off his successful first season by being named to the All-Rookie Second Team. Achiuwa was not selected for either of the All-Rookie teams.
As Duncan Robinson enters restricted free agency, the Miami Heat could use some depth at the wing. Players such as Trevor Ariza, and likely Andre Iguodala, will be free agents this summer.
The Miami Heat were also one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the NBA last season. Having Bane’s elite shooting would have definitely helped out.
Should they have taken the other player?: Absolutely