Miami Heat Roundtable: To KZ Or Not To KZ Okpala… That’s The Question

San Antonio Spurs forward DeMar DeRozan (10) shoots the ball against Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) and forward KZ Okpala (11)(Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports)
San Antonio Spurs forward DeMar DeRozan (10) shoots the ball against Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) and forward KZ Okpala (11)(Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports)
5 of 6
Miami Heat
Detroit Pistons forward Blake Griffin (23) looks to pass as Miami Heat forward KZ Okpala (4) defends on the play(Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports)

Miami Heat: To KZ or Not to KZ Okpala… That’s the Question – Isiah’s Take

From a spectator’s view, the answer is yes, get rid of him. However, it’s harsh for someone to believe Okpala isn’t worthy of holding a roster spot with Miami — just because he hasn’t quite reached those lofty expectations.

Isiah’s Take (@isiah_nba)

We’ve gotta remember Okpala is 22 and was a mid second-round selection in 2019. While Miami ultimately holds the keys to KZ’s future, they do need to address how he should be utilized going forward.

To go along with the NBA-level physicals, we’ve seen flashes of a quality defender, as well as a capable perimeter shooter. With a few rough offensive stretches and mental lapses early in his career, most recently in the Summer League, I believe most of Okpala’s struggles are mental and that light switch can flip at any point.

But… if Miami believes otherwise, they need to consider moving him for a second-rounder — which is a small step further in accumulating draft capital, but also an opportunity for KZ to get extended run elsewhere.