DeJon Jarreau played super well for the Miami Heat during Summer League. Unfortunately, they lost out on signing him to a two-way deal earlier this week.
The Indiana Pacers swooped in and inked him to a two-way contract before the Miami Heat could. The 6-5 guard will be in Indiana this year instead of South Beach.
Most Heat fans were very upset when they heard this news. Jarreau plays a brand of basketball that Miami lives by, and he would have been a great fit in the city.
Losing him may seem like a big-time slip-up by the Heat, but maybe it isn’t. Jarreau leaving for Indiana may end up being a blessing in disguise for the Miami Heat.
First and foremost, the Heat still have the opportunity to sign Marcus Garrett. He’s a 6-5 combo guard who plays a very similar brand of basketball to Jarreau.
Having two of the same players on the roster may not have been the best plan. They are both great players in their own right, but they are similar build and have similar playstyles.
Also, Jarreau being elsewhere also opens up even more opportunities for Garrett. He could end up getting more run in the NBA, which in turn could fast-track his development.
In addition, the Heat don’t necessarily need more guards on the roster. Despite popular belief, they already have some solid depth at that position.
They have Kyle Lowry, Tyler Herro, Gabe Vincent, and Max Strus at the guard positions. Add Garrett to that mix, and it may have been hard for Jarreau to find minutes.
What the Heat really need to do is find a wing for that second two-way spot. They don’t have much depth at the wing, with Jimmy Butler and Duncan Robinson being the only real wings on the team.
Finding a young player who plays that position might be better for the Heat in the long run. Jarreau is a great player, but realistically, may not have been the best positional fit for this season.
The Heat had a ton of other promising players on their Summer League roster who could earn the spot that Jarreau seemingly left behind. Past that, there are plenty of players around the league who are deserving of a two-way deal as well.
Regardless, Jarreau is primed to have a solid season with Indiana and could end up having a long career in the NBA. That being said, Miami looking elsewhere could be in both parties’ best interest.