The Miami Heat played well in Summer League this year, but it is, unfortunately, coming to an end. Regardless, some players were able to seriously impress.
While the team didn’t end up making the championship, the Heat were able to scout out some great undrafted talent. Pat Riley may have found himself some new rookies to sign.
On top of that, the Miami Heat were able to help their current young talent grow even more. It was a wildly successful Summer League stint for them.
With Summer League wrapping up, what were some of the highlights? What are the top three takeaways from Miami’s Summer League run this year?
#3 takeaway from the Miami Heat Summer League: Omer Yurtseven has serious potential
Omer Yurtseven played so well in the California Classic that the Miami Heat signed him to a two-year deal. He has an opportunity to come in and provide some real quality minutes.
In Miami’s first, and only, two games of the California Classic, Yurtseven was absolutely dominating competition. He was a double-double machine who could get whatever he wanted on offense.
Miami already has a backup center in Dewayne Dedmon, but Yurtseven might challenge him for those minutes. There’s nothing wrong with some healthy competition, right?
The most important thing he brings to the table is the fact that he can stretch the floor. His floor spacing adds a whole new element to Miami’s offense.
At only 23 years old, Yurtseven still has a ton of room to grow. Based on what he showed in Summer League, he could turn into a real player for the Miami Heat.
#2 takeaway from the Miami Heat Summer League: Marcus Garrett and DeJon Jarreau are perfect fits
The Miami Heat struck gold by adding Marcus Garrett and DeJon Jarreau to their Summer League roster. Either one could come in and make an actual impact on the NBA roster.
Both are defensive-minded guards who can do a little bit of everything on their court. Their dog-like mentalities make them a perfect fit with the Heat.
Garrett exploded right out of the gate, recording 10 steals through Miami’s first two Summer League games. He has been picking up opponents full-court every game.
His sheer relentlessness on the defensive end makes him a nightmare matchup for all opponents. He just refuses to ever give up on a play.
He’s also a great rebounder for a 6-5 guard. Garrett is constantly chasing down boards on both ends of the floor and earning Miami second-chance opportunities.
As for Jarreau, he’s just the perfect “do-it-all” guy that every team wants on their roster. He’s a scrappy defender that can also bring it on the offensive end.
He’s shot super efficiently from deep so far in Summer League and is also proving to be a solid playmaker. He brings a little bit of everything to the court.
Miami has two two-way spots available right now. These two players should be the clear favorites to fill those spots.
#1 takeaway from the Miami Heat Summer League: Max Strus is the real deal
Max Strus has been by far the best player for the Miami Heat in Summer League. He has been able to take over games with his elite shooting.
He is leading the team in scoring so far this summer, thus leading the team on the offensive end. A large majority of Miami’s plays end in a Strus three.
His play in Summer League has been nothing short of fantastic. It just doesn’t get better than hitting a game-winning three in double overtime.
In Summer League so far, Strus is averaging 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. He is shooting 39.1% from the field and 40.0% from three-point range.
While his efficiency from the field may be lackluster, his three-point percentage more than makes up for it. It’s all the more impressive considering he is attempting 11.3 threes per game.
That sort of volume is in no way transferable to the NBA level. However, it does show that he can shoot efficiently on a very high volume of shots, which is super important in the league.
Having Duncan Robinson’s shooting on the roster has been a blessing for the Miami Heat. Well, if Strus can keep up this pace, they may have two elite three-point shooters on the team.
Strus has the potential to make some big contributions to winning this season. The Miami Heat desperately need shooting help, and he can provide that for them.