Miami Heat Summer League: Kyle Allman Jr. Worth Keeping Close Eye On

NBA Summer League action continues for the Miami Heat as they fell short to the Sacramento Kings, 81-64, on Sunday. Similar to their last outing against Los Angeles, offensive stagnancy remained an issue for Miami, as they now stand at 0-2 in the California Classic.

To their credit though, the Heat did manage a, 56-53, lead heading into the fourth quarter. However, several careless turnovers and missed shots down the stretch didn’t do them any favors.

With just eight total points scored in the final period, Miami simply ran out of gas in their second Summer League defeat. Nonetheless, the fun part about Summer League is that it’s not about the wins or losses.

While this was another Heat loss that featured some very underwhelming moments, one of the very few bright spots for Miami, thus far, has been the solid play of Kyle Allman Jr.

With two years of overseas production at Lavrio Megabolt of the Greek League and Paris Basketball of the Top French League, the former Cal State Fullerton product is already making a name for himself.

Miami Heat Summer League: Kyle Allman Jr. Worth Keeping Close Eye On

After earning the starting point guard role with double-figures scored in both games, here’s an overview of what Allman Jr. is bringing to the table.

KYLE ALLMAN JR. IS A CRAFTY AND ATHLETIC GUARD WITH A RELENTLESS DRIVING AND PLAYMAKING MENTALITY. 

As Heat Summer League coach, Malik Allen, went forward with a quicker starting five on Sunday, there was a noticeable improvement in Miami’s offense. Allman Jr, a 6’4” and 174-pound guard, was a large part of that improvement as he’s added more speed to the lineup.

While sharing some of the primary ball-handling duties with current Heat two-way talent, Javonte Smart, Allman Jr. didn’t waste much time making his on-court presence felt. Just like he did against Los Angeles, he was picking his spots to score but also finding others off the drive.

That is what has really stood out about Allman’s game (including the pro-level athleticism), his playmaking skills through short gaps. Combining the knack to finish well on drives, he has a quick burst that can lure defenses into over-committing.

Miami Heat Summer League: Kyle Allman Jr. Is A Tough, Crafty, And Bursty Guard

His burst and athleticism not only work well for him and his own offense but as mentioned and of course, help to generate good looks for open teammates.

If you needed a visual, here’s a good example. Take this play where Allman Jr. attacks after the crossover to get past Ade Murkey, then skies a thunderous one-handed slam.

The physicals are key for Allman Jr. to create opportunities for himself and others, but it also allows him to be proactive on the defensive end. He doesn’t back down from mismatches, can be disruptive in the passing lanes, and rebounds well.

ALLMAN JR. IS ALL ABOUT CONFIDENCE—ESPECIALLY IN HIS OUTSIDE JUMP SHOT.

As the rim pressure and pro-level athleticism present themselves well, Allman Jr. has been a perimeter threat for a Heat Summer League team in dire need of it. While the shooting efficiencies, overall, haven’t completely jumped off the charts, he’s converted on nearly 46 percent from the three-point line.

Another tidbit that you could take from either game is that Allman Jr. has even baited defenders into fouling him on jumpers. To be earning that kind of commitment from defenders in just two games, even at this level of exhibition play, is an important attribute to have.

It’s clear that for someone who spent four years in college and another two years overseas, Allman Jr. comes into this Summer League as an older talent but one who looks a few steps ahead of his peers. This could really turn out to be a good success story for a player in hopes of earning an NBA contract.

So far, Allman Jr. has received critical minutes for the Miami Heat and as his role begins to stabilize, his confidence should only increase.

If his solid play continues, Kyle could certainly earn himself a training camp invite come this fall and from any team, to be fair, but for now—the Miami Heat might’ve just discovered another noteworthy prospect.