Miami Heat Summer League: Final thoughts and grades for each player
By Isiah Curry
Miami Heat Summer League: A Few Guys That Can Help Fill P.J.-Sized Hole
Haywood Highsmith couldn’t do much wrong in Summer League this year.
HAYWOOD HIGHSMITH – A
The Heat’s returning forward brought great leadership, experience, intensity, and some very balanced production to a team that needed it. Highsmith was, indeed, Miami’s most consistent performer this summer and while he does have more of a 3-and-D type of skillset, he contributed well in other areas—even when his outside shot wasn’t falling.
Highsmith averaged 12.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.6 steals on 46.6 percent shooting, ultimately making a strong case that he belongs in the Heat’s rotation next year.
- KEY PERFORMANCE: 17 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and three blocks, though Miami Heat were defeated by 76ers, 71-75.
Must Read. Haywood Highsmith can help fill P.J. Tucker-sized hole. light
ORLANDO ROBINSON – B+
Earning himself an Exhibit 10 contract, Orlando Robinson held down the middle as Miami’s starting center. Although it took a few games for Miami to figure out how the former Fresno State big man should best be utilized, there would be, quite frankly, a number of ways.
Robinson showed good qualities of a prototypical NBA center. He proved himself capable of finishing inside, being a terrific offensive rebounder, and has a promising face-up game.
He’s lengthy, athletic enough, and already has the basic fundamentals of a serviceable NBA player. Now under the Heat’s developmental system, Orlando has an opportunity to build on that.
- KEY PERFORMANCE: 13 points, ten rebounds (six offensive), and four blocks, though Miami Heat were defeated by 76ers, 71-75.
When you are a team like the Heat who have often been called small over the past few seasons, another talented seven-footer to add to the bunch is never a bad thing.