Miami Heat: Marcus Garrett Being Impactful After G-League Stint
By Isiah Curry
Miami Heat: Marcus Garrett Being Impactful After G-League Stint
Per NBA G-League stats, Garrett averaged 12.8 points, 8.3 rebounds 5.1 assists, 2.1 steals, and just 1.1 turnovers in 34.4 minutes played with Sioux Falls. Ans though the SkyForce were only 1-7 during that stretch, it didn’t keep Garrett from making solid reads while relying on pure instinctual play.
Those same abilities have translated to his time within the Heat’s rotation thus far. Based on initial scouting reports, the Heat’s first-year guard is providing what many have expected early on, a strong defensive imprint.
MARCUS GARRETT HAS THE COMMON INSTINCTS OF AN ALL-NBA DEFENDER.
For most of the evening, the Miami Heat orchestrated a man-to-man defense, which really seems to compliment Garrett’s abilities. It gives him leeway to fly around while using his length and quickness as a point of attack defender.
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During this possession, Pistons forward, Josh Jackson, sets a ball screen for teammate, Cory Joseph, then immediately slips towards the left corner. As Joseph passes to Jackson, watch closely at this immediate defensive response from Garrett.
He closes out quickly, but also realizes not to overcommit or on Jackson — who’s a career 29 percent three-point shooter. Here’s the play in question, per NBA.com
After a successful recovery, Garrett promptly shades Jackson’s left, preventing the possibility for Jackson to attempt a direct baseline drive. While Jackson does proceed to drive right, Garrett remains lateral, keeping his arms outspread while showing the referees his hands.
Jackson enters the paint behind his shoulder, but Garrett slightly peels back to avoid contact. This variation of “Pulling The Chair” is less common, as opposed to defenders who are resisting post scorers that are trying to find deep positioning.
Despite not having the length to contest Jackson’s shot attempt, this was pure deceptiveness from Marcus to avoid committing an early foul within the opening minutes of the fourth quarter. It also showed an ability to predict and play towards the offensive player’s tendencies — all in one motion.