Miami Heat: To KZ or Not to KZ Okpala… That’s the Question – Kenneth’s Take
Kenneth’s Take
It’s actually fairly simple for me. Of course you keep him.
To Rich’s point, yes, they are a team of defenders already. But that’s because that’s a skill that they greatly value, so why not have another of the most uniquely physically gifted, one that has already shown the penchant to be elite in that area, one that will cost mere pennies, and not to mention, one that just came off of an impressive showing in the Olympics before this Summer League debacle, that featured a locking up of Damian Lillard at times.
Or have we all forgotten that though? To some of the other points made here, specifically on his Summer League performances.
For all of the hoopla surrounding his lack of offensive prowess, there is also an ignoring of the fact that he is the anchor of their defense, from the top of the perimeter. He allows everything to flow, it seems, as he is the guy switching onto every assignment out top, allowing the other guards to float and have it easy… or to funnel it to The Big Yurt, Omer Yurtseven, who’s no defensive ace but is having a Summer League Block Party.
That’s not ignoring the offense ineptitude either, as he does have to improve. As noted by Coach Allen, he was, at least, shooting his shots early on, as that’s the only way to get better.
He’s working on his flaws, which says a whole heck of a lot about a guy who is surely seeing all that’s being said about him. Even still though and though the logic might say he’s supposed to look better against lesser competition in the Summer League, a multiple and do-everything guy like KZ often shines more when playing with better players around him, as that stands a better chance to shine a light on the utility stuff that he does.
That means that he’s always going to do the little things, grab the loose ball, make a key steal or deflection, snatch a huge offensive board… but the lesser quality teammate around him, the less likely it is that they do something good with his effort and thus, making him look good or bad. His teammates in this Summer League are balling, so that isn’t an absolute analysis of their talent, as much as it is a relative analysis of KZ being able to fulfill a role.
Speaking of that though and as far as the Heat’s roster stands, their is a role for KZ. As a versatile defender, capable of spending minutes on postisions 1-5 to save fouls, minutes, or to simply be a pest, he has a role.
With his physical gifts, multiple skill-set, and his hunger to work hard, give max effort, and do the little things, you can afford to wait a little longer on his offense. The Miami Heat probably will too.
They like players like KZ and because of all that other stuff he does (which they surely see… even if the group-think crowd doesn’t), he’ll have the leeway to keep trying to blossom.
They are varying opinions, but they are all valid. Only time will tell about the fate of KZ Okpala though.
These have been our takes on the topic here at AUCH, in the latest Miami Heat Roundtable.