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Miami Heat: 3 young free agents to take a chance on

By Jack Simone

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 21: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on February 21, 2020 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 21: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on February 21, 2020 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Miami Heat
Dennis Smith Jr. #0 of the Detroit Pistons looks on against the Sacramento Kings (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

Young NBA free agents the Miami Heat should sign: Dennis Smith Jr.

Dennis Smith Jr. started last season with the Knicks but played his best basketball when he signed with the Pistons. He proved that he could still be a quality point guard in the NBA.

The young point guard’s time ended in Dallas as soon as Luka Doncic arrived. It was clear that the two would not co-exist well, and also clear who the better player was.

Smith Jr. was shipped to New York, but after a couple of seasons there, he also failed to impress. The former lottery pick finally found some success in Detroit last year.

Though he only played 20 games with the Pistons, it was one of the most efficient stints of basketball in his career. As mentioned, it proved that there still might be some hope for him.

In Detroit, Smith Jr. averaged 7.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. He shot 41.5% from the field and 35.2% from three-point range.

These are by no means starting-caliber numbers, but he would make a decent backup. If the Gabe Vincent experiment doesn’t work out, there’s no harm in having a backup plan already on the roster.

Vincent 100% deserves the chance to succeed as the go-to backup point guard. However, if the Heat want to sign Smith Jr. just in case, it wouldn’t be the worst plan in the world.

The 23-year-old still has some productive years left, and plenty of room to grow as a player. The Miami Heat should give him a chance.

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